Ensuring transparency in social dialogue and safeguarding workers’ rights are crucial for the long-term sustainability of any industrial sector. These elements are vital not only for improving worker welfare but also for maintaining the stability and growth of the industrial sector. Without an inclusive approach to dialogue that brings all stakeholders to the table, the risk of social unrest, inefficiency, and exploitation increases. In Bangladesh, as the industrial sector continues to expand, addressing these issues is more urgent than ever to ensure that economic growth is both equitable and sustainable.
On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, a roundtable discussion titled “Social Sustainability in the Industrial Sector: Current Issues and the Way Forward” was held in Dhaka to tackle these important issues.
Organised by the Embassy of Denmark in Dhaka, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), United Federation of Danish Workers (3F), Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), and The Daily Star, the event brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, policymakers, trade union leaders, employers, and international experts. The discussion aimed to forge a collective path forward for Bangladesh’s industrial sector, focusing on occupational safety, just transition, and enhancing social dialogue mechanisms.
The session began with welcome remarks from Mr Anders Karlsen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Danish Embassy, and Mr Avra Bhattacharjee, Additional Director at CPD.
Mr Karlsen praised Bangladesh’s progress in ratifying international labour conventions, stating, “Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in aligning its labour laws with international standards, but the true challenge lies in the effective implementation and monitoring of these conventions.” He emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and unions in achieving these goals.
Mr Bhattacharjee also highlighted the importance of dialogue in achieving sustainable development. He said, “This roundtable marks another important step in our continuous efforts to bridge the gaps in Bangladesh’s industrial policies and create a more just and equitable working environment.”
The session was moderated by Mr Tanjim Ferdous, In-Charge of NGOs & Foreign Missions at The Daily Star, who set a tone of constructive dialogue. He remarked, “Today’s discussions are vital in identifying practical solutions to some of the pressing challenges facing Bangladesh’s industrial sector. It is crucial that we engage in an open and transparent exchange of ideas to ensure we make meaningful progress.”
Following the opening remarks, Mr Ole Rosenborg Justesen, Senior Sector Advisor at the Danish Embassy, delivered the keynote presentation. His focus was on the long-term sustainability of Bangladesh’s industrial sector, particularly through the lenses of occupational safety, just transition, and social dialogue. He emphasised, “Social sustainability is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity for Bangladesh as it faces the challenges of automation, green technologies, and a global market that demands more from us. We must ensure that no worker is left behind in this transformation.”
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
The first thematic discussion focused on occupational safety and health (OSH), a topic that has gained increasing importance in Bangladesh, especially after the Rana Plaza disaster.
Mr Abul Kalam Azad, President of the General Workers Union, discussed the progress made but highlighted ongoing challenges in ensuring safety across sectors. “Despite improvements, many workers, especially in informal sectors like tannery and shipbreaking, continue to face unsafe working conditions,” Azad stated. “We need stronger enforcement of safety regulations and more robust inspections in these high-risk industries.”
Mr Tamim Ahmed, Senior Research Associate at CPD, supported Azad’s view, adding that while the ready-made garment (RMG) sector had made significant strides, many other industries were still lacking in safety protocols. “Around 25 per cent of factories, particularly those in non-RMG sectors, are not covered by regular inspections. This leaves workers vulnerable to preventable accidents,” Ahmed explained. He recommended better training for labour inspectors and more comprehensive safety audits to ensure all sectors meet required standards.
Mr Md Abdul Awal, Assistant Inspector General (Safety) at DIFE, further elaborated on the improvements made by DIFE, noting, “Since the Rana Plaza disaster, we’ve identified and addressed more than 140,000 safety issues in factories, especially focusing on electrical safety.” He also highlighted the expansion of DIFE’s operations to ensure more comprehensive safety checks across multiple industries, but urged for continued support to increase the reach of these inspections.
Ms Vidya Amrit Khan, Vice President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), discussed the progress within the garment sector, particularly the rise in green certified factories. “While we have the largest number of green factories in the world, it is essential that we also focus on ensuring the workers’ conditions are improving alongside these environmental advancements,” Khan said. She stressed the importance of balancing sustainability efforts with the well-being of workers.
Just Transition
The discussion then moved to the issue of a just transition in Bangladesh, particularly as automation and green technologies begin to reshape the workforce.
Mr Shakil Akhter Chowdhury, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Labour Federation (BLF), discussed the challenges of implementing effective social dialogue, particularly in industries without strong union representation. “Social dialogue is essential, but it must be implemented at the enterprise level where workers can directly engage in discussions about their conditions,” Chowdhury stated. “In many cases, workers do not have the ability to negotiate for better wages or working conditions because of a lack of union presence.”
Mr Shah Abdul Tarik, Additional Director General at the Department of Labour (DoL), also spoke about the role of the government in facilitating a just transition. “The government is working to address the impacts of automation, especially by providing training and reskilling opportunities to displaced workers. However, we need to ensure that no worker is left behind as industries move towards more automation,” he said.
Ms Kalpona Akter, President of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF), raised concerns about the displacement of workers due to automation. “While automation promises efficiency, it also risks leaving many workers behind without adequate training or compensation,” Akter warned. She called for more investment in retraining and upskilling workers to ensure they are not displaced but integrated into the evolving economy. “Workers, especially women, must be given the skills and opportunities to thrive in this new landscape,” she added.
Ms Taslima Akter Lima, President of the Bangladesh Garments Sramik Sanghati, agreed with Akter’s sentiments and emphasised the importance of social protection in any transition. “Training alone will not be enough. We need strong social protection policies, including fair wages, maternity leave, and job security,” Lima said. “Without these, workers will continue to be vulnerable to economic shifts and automation.”
Mr Ole Rosenborg Justesen, in his keynote, also stressed the importance of a fair transition. “We must ensure that workers’ voices are included in planning for automation and green technologies. Only then can we create a transition that is both fair and inclusive,” he said.
Social Dialogue for Workers
The final thematic session focused on the need for stronger social dialogue in Bangladesh’s industrial sector.
Mr Neeran Ramjuthan from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) agreed with Chowdhury and added that a lack of independent worker representation was a significant obstacle. “For social dialogue to be effective, workers must be able to freely organise and represent their interests. The ILO’s conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining must be fully implemented in Bangladesh to ensure genuine dialogue,” Ramjuthan said.
He further noted that the informal sector, which constitutes the majority of Bangladesh’s workforce, remains largely unregulated and excluded from social dialogue. “These workers have no legal protections and no platform to voice their concerns,” Chowdhury explained. “The government must take steps to ensure that these workers are brought into the fold of labour laws and protections.”
Mr Asif Ibrahim, Vice-Chairman of Newage Group of Industries, discussed the role of employers in improving social dialogue. “Employers must engage with trade unions in a meaningful way to ensure that workers’ rights are respected and that disputes can be resolved amicably,” Ibrahim said.
Mr Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of BILS, also emphasised the importance of social dialogue, particularly in building trust between workers and employers. “Strong social dialogue is the foundation of a stable workforce and a productive industry. It’s essential that all voices are heard and respected,” he explained.
Mr Md Abdus Samad Al Azad, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), concluded the session by highlighting the government’s role in supporting dialogue. “While the government cannot lead the social dialogue, it has a critical role in facilitating the process and ensuring that it remains fair and transparent,” Azad stated.
The roundtable concluded with Mr Tanjim Ferdous summarising the discussions and stressing the importance of continuing this dialogue moving forward. “While significant progress has been made, there is still much to do,” he said. “We must continue working together—government, employers, and workers—to create a more inclusive, sustainable industrial sector in Bangladesh.”
The discussions laid a strong foundation for future collaborations and policy recommendations, underscoring the importance of transparency, collaboration, and commitment from all stakeholders to ensure that Bangladesh’s industrial sector remains competitive, equitable, and sustainable for years to come.
