Dhaka: A comprehensive labour inspection training programme was launched on Sunday that will see 160 labour inspectors gain the skills needed to boost working conditions and worker safety in Bangladesh.

The 40-day course titled ‘Foundational Training for Labour Inspection Officials’ was organised at the Bangladesh Institute of Administration and Management (BIAM) training center, said a press release.

Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) and Bangladesh Institute of Administration and Management (BIAM) with the support of the International Labour Organization’s Improving Working Conditions in the Ready-made Garments Sector Programme funded by Canada, the Netherlands and UK and the ILO’s International Training Centre in Turin organised the programme.

State Minister, Ministry of Labour and Employment M Mujibul Haque, inaugurated the training as the chief guest.

Mujibur Haque said “Over the past two and a half years the Bangladesh labour inspectorate has undergone a process of transformation. It is now better funded, better resourced and better trained. This training programme will build the capacity of the Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments and help ensure better working conditions across Bangladesh,”.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert W Gibson, High Commissioner of Canada Benoit-Pierre Laramee, Secretary of the ministry Mikail Shipar and ILO Country Director Srinivas Reddy were present among others.