The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), in association with the EU-funded Technical Assistance to Social Protection Budget Support (TA-SPBS), organized an orientation workshop for factory management representatives of BGMEA member factories on the Unemployed Workers’ Protection Programme (UWPP) and Labour Information Management System (LIMS) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE).
The workshop, held at the BGMEA Complex in Dhaka, aimed to enhance factory-level understanding of the UWPP, including eligibility criteria, registration procedures, beneficiary identification, required documentation and implementation processes. The session also focused on strengthening participants’ capacity to effectively use the Labour Information Management System (LIMS) for accurate labour information management.
The programme began with welcome remarks from Ahmed Jabed, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Skill Development Programme (SDP), BGMEA. He highlighted the importance of stronger institutional coordination and effective mechanisms to support workers during periods of unemployment.
Ms. Valentina, Program Manager, European Union, provided an overview of the initiative and emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to strengthen social protection measures for workers.
Ms. Tahmina Begum, Director, Central Fund and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, briefed participants on the facilities available under the UWPP, eligibility requirements, implementation procedures and the responsibilities of different stakeholders.
Nafis Ud Doula, Director, BGMEA, highlighted the significance of Central Fund initiatives and emphasized the need for continued investment in workforce development and worker welfare within the apparel sector.
Representatives from TA-SPBS conducted a detailed technical session on the UWPP, covering eligibility requirements, beneficiary selection, registration procedures and necessary documentation. Al Amin, Assistant Inspector General, Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), conducted the session on LIMS and emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate and updated labour information.
The programme concluded with remarks from Mahbubul, Advisor, GIZ. The workshop was moderated by Saila Akther Nova, Deputy Secretary and Section-In-Charge, Skill Development Programme (SDP), BGMEA. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by relevant government, industry and development partners to improve social protection mechanisms, strengthen labour information management and enhance support systems for workers in Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector.
