Bangladesh inaugurates National Occupational Safety and Health Training and Research Institute

RAJSHAHI (ILO News) – Bangladesh has launched its National Occupational Safety and Health Training and Research Institute (NOSHTRI) in Terkhadia, Rajpara Thana, Rajshahi, marking a significant milestone in advancing occupational safety and health (OSH). This institute aims to conduct specialised training and research programs in line with national and international standards to enhance worker safety and health. 

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) and chief guest highlighted that it is a collective moral duty to ensure occupational health and safety in the industrial sector, in line with the country’s labour laws and global standards. He said NOSHTRI would be instrumental in achieving that goal. 

A.H.M. Shafiquzzaman, Secretary of the MoLE, spoke about the increasing significance of occupational safety as Bangladesh strives toward becoming a developed nation. He reinforced that ensuring workplace safety is essential for sustainable development.

Tuomo Poutiainen, ILO Country Director, said ILO supports creating a safe and healthy working environment. He urged the government to build on the momentum through collaboration with workers’ and employers’ organisations and consider ratifying the remaining two fundamental ILO conventions, No. 155 on Occupational Safety and Health and No. 187 on the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health.

Representatives from workers’ and employers' organisations and local and international development partners were also present during the inauguration. The launch was jointly organized by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishment (DIFE), MoLE, and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

With NOSHTRI now established, Bangladesh is taking an essential step toward advancing workplace safety and aligning with global standards, benefiting workers and industries nationwide.