About the project

Partner:International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Project duration: 11 June 2023 – 11 December 2023.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) is implementing the National Employment Policy (NEP) and seeks support from various government agencies and ministries to ensure their understanding and joint ownership of the policy. The financing of the NEP is a key consideration for successful implementation, and the engagement of the private sector, employers, and workers' organizations is crucial for formulating a robust implementation plan. The ILO Dhaka Office is assisting the MoLE in this process. Together, they aim to create a conducive environment for sustainable and inclusive employment generation in the country.
The current project will fulfil the following objectives:
1. To have a deep diagnosis (Needs, Gaps, Synergies with other Macro Policies and Key Players) of the National Employment Policies of MoLE. 2. To organize a series of (three) technical dialogues in Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet for capacity building and deep understanding of the NEP and action plans. (May 2023 to December 2023). 3. To provide technical support to MoLE engaging BEF and NCCWE for promoting the NEP in setting up the employment directorate or the GoB. 4. To carve out an action plan to produce a National Action Plan for Employment to implement the NEP as the future scope and technical support to MoLE from ILO.

Project activities

Dialogue on Wage Policy

On 5 October 2023, Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) jointly organised a dialogue on wage policy. Dr M A Razzaque, Chairman, RAPID, moderated the dialogue.
Dr. Md. Kawser Ahmed, Member (Secretary), General Economics Division, Planning Commission, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, was present as Chief Guest. Dr Atiur Rahman, Former Governor, Bangladesh Bank, and Emeritus Professor, Department of Development Studies, Dhaka University, was present as Guest of Honour.
The dialogue was also attended by Dr. Anoop Satpathy, Wage Specialist, ILO Decent Work Team for South Asia, Dr. M Abu Eusuf, Executive Director, RAPID, Dr Narayan Chandra Das, Associate Professor, BIGD, Brac University, Professor Salma Akter, Professor of Sociology, Dhaka University, Nazma Yesmin, Director, Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies-BILS.

Event report here.

Technical Dialogue : Labour Market and Employment Challenges of Bangladesh, Private Sector’s Role: Chattogram Perspective

On 1 October 2023, Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), jointly organised a technical dialogue. At the event, RAPID Chairman Dr M A Razzaque delivered the keynote presentation on “Employment and Labour Market Challenges in Bangladesh.”
Mr. Md. Ehsan-E-Elahi, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, was present as Chief Guest.
The technical dialogue was also attended by Mr. Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director, ILO, Mr. Omar Hazzaz, President, CCCI, Mr. Mohammed Erfan Sharif, Additional Secretary, BEZA, Mr. Mohammad Shamim Alam, Additional Divisional Commissioner General, Chattogram, and Mr Wasfi Tamim, CEO, BCE. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. M Abu Eusuf, Executive Director, RAPID.

Event report here.

Technical Dialogue : National Employment Policy and Labour Market Employment Challenges in Bangladesh

On 22 June 2023, Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) jointly organized a technical dialogue. At the event, RAPID Chairman Dr M A Razzaque delivered the keynote presentation on “National Employment Policy and Labour Market Employment Challenges in Bangladesh.”
Begum Monnujan Sufian, Honorable State Minister, Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
The technical dialogue was also attended by Dr Md Kawser Ahmed, Member of the General Economic Division (GED), Dr Shahnaz Arefin, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics, Sharifa Khan, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Dr Sher Verick, Acting Branch Chief, Employment, Labour Market and Youth, ILO Headquarters and Rajekuzzaman Ratan, president of Samajtantrik Sramik Front (SSF).

Event report here.

Media coverage



The Financial Express
The Business Standard
The Business Post
Prothom alo
The Daily Star
Dhaka Tribune
NewAge
UNB