Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) - Bangladesh (Ratification: 1972)

With reference to its observation, the Committee would like to raise the following additional points.

Article 3(1)(b) of the Convention. Provision of technical advice to workers and employers. The Committee notes that the Bangladesh Labour Act (BLA), in its amended version of July 2013, still does not appear to explicitly entrust labour inspectors with the function of providing advice and guidance to employers and workers. In this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s indications according to which labour inspectors are willing to provide such advice and guidance, but that their number and training is insufficient to assume this role in a satisfactory manner. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the legal and practical measures taken or envisaged to promote a more active role of labour inspectors in guiding and advising workers and employers and to provide detailed information on any activities of the labour inspectorate in relation to the provision of information and advice during the period covered by its next report.

Article 5(b). Collaboration with workers’ and employers’ organizations. The Committee understands from the information provided in the Government’s report that the tripartite National Health and Safety Council (NIHSC), of which the Chief Inspector of the Modernization and Strengthening of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) is a member, is still in the process of elaborating the national occupational safety and health (OSH) policy. The Committee once again asks the Government to provide a copy of any document relating to the national OSH policy and information on its application in practice. Please also provide information on any other activities of the NIHSC in relation to labour inspection and a copy of any relevant documentation.

[The Government is asked to supply full particulars to the Conference at its 103rd Session and to report in detail in 2014.]