DHAKA — In a major step toward enhancing industrial safety in Bangladesh, the EHS+ Center of North South University (NSU), supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), hosted a comprehensive consultation on May 4, 2026.
The session aimed to refine the "Comprehensive Certificate Course on Occupational Safety and Health," a flagship educational project designed for the nation’s next generation of engineers, architects, and industry practitioners.
High-Level Institutional Alignment
The event featured Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor of NSU, and Mr. Arif Ahmed Khan, Additional Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), who both emphasized the critical role of specialized education in preventing workplace accidents.
Representing the ILO, Mr. Neeran Ramjuthan (Programme Manager, LAWC Cluster) lauded NSU’s leadership in the project. The initiative is a key component of the Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh project, a collaborative effort funded by Canada and the Team Europe Initiative (including Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden).
Collaborative Curriculum Development
A distinguished panel of experts from diverse sectors provided feedback on the proposed curriculum. Participants included:
Global Partners: Diplomatic and development representatives from the EU, UK, Canada, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Technical Experts: Academics from BUET, MIST, and BRAC University.
Industrial Bodies: Representatives from BKMEA, BEF, Epyllion Group, and various national trade unions.
The course framework, presented by Dr. Mahmud A. Shareef and Mr. Shariar Iqbal Raj, seeks to modernize safety training by addressing contemporary industrial risks.
Key Strategic Outcomes
The consultation yielded several vital recommendations to ensure the course meets international benchmarks:
Inclusion of Health Metrics: Increasing focus on occupational diseases alongside physical safety.
Program Depth: Lengthening the training duration to facilitate advanced learning outcomes.
Accessibility: Streamlining course delivery to ensure it reaches a broad professional audience across Bangladesh.
The program concluded with a consensus on the path forward, marking a significant milestone in the shared mission of NSU and the ILO to foster a safer, more resilient industrial landscape in Bangladesh.
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