BEF hosts seminar on improving quality of industrial relations

Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF) organised a seminar titled “Role of Stakeholders (Government, Workers and Employers) in Improving the Quality of Industrial Relations and Social Dialogue in View of Bangladesh’s Imminent LDC Graduation and Ultimate Objective of Achieving Developed Country Status” at its Motijheel office on October 1.

The event aimed at chalking out the role of all stakeholders in improving the quality of the prevailing industrial relations and social dialogue, considering Bangladesh’s transformational journey starting from an LDC to ultimately a developed economy.

Md Ehsan-E-Elahi, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment (MOLE), attended as the Chief Observer. Representatives of employers and workers were present as participants while those of the Government and the International Labour Organization attended as observers.

The seminar was moderated by Farooq Ahmed, Secretary-General and CEO, BEF.

In welcome address, BEF President Ardashir Kabir mentioned that Bangladesh’s economic progress would be accompanied by additional pressure on ensuring decent work and safety at the workplace. Pursuing those, BEF will always support discussions between employers and workers to settle any conflict, he said. He also praised the government’s efforts in updating the laws and rules of the country.

The Secretary of MOLE appreciated BEF’s organizing the timely seminar. As Bangladesh was developing, the need to develop its industries was also increasing. Improving the quality of industrial relations and social dialogue in the country was a prerequisite for the country’s overall industrial development, he said. The Secretary also mentioned that they were working on a national wage policy. Finally, he assured of working to reduce the gap between employers and workers and ensure proper industrial relations and social dialogue.