Dhaka: Engineer Mohammad Riazul Islam (Rizu), President of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), emphasized the gap between existing laws and their practical implementation in Bangladesh. He shared his insights while addressing a programme titled ‘Strengthening Occupational Safety and Workforce Excellence in Bangladesh’, organized by the Occupational Safety Board of Bangladesh (OSBB) under the IEB at its headquarters.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Riazul, who also serves as Chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), highlighted issues in road safety, noting the non-compliance of many motorcyclists and passengers with helmet usage, as well as the neglect of seat belts by drivers. He also cited poor fire safety practices in buildings, where blocked emergency exits pose significant risks during emergencies.
The IEB President underscored the need for strict enforcement of laws, urging government, professional bodies, social institutions, and media to collaborate in raising awareness and enhancing safety practices across society. Prof Dr Engineer Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan, honorary General Secretary of IEB, in his welcome remarks, pointed out the weak occupational safety standards in Bangladesh’s shipbuilding industry, where workers often lack adequate protective equipment.
Sabbir Mostafa stressed the importance of cultivating a long-term safety culture, beginning with safety education from an early age, so that responsible behavior becomes ingrained in everyday practice. He also advocated for regular training for workers, particularly in using modern safety equipment and emergency response procedures.
Prof Dr Engineer Syeda Sultana Razia, Chairman of OSBB, while presenting the keynote paper, highlighted the significance of skilled manpower and safe working environments for Bangladesh’s economic progress. She noted that workplace accidents, fire hazards, occupational health risks, and skills shortages present major challenges in key sectors like ready-made garments, construction, power and energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Sultana Razia urged industries to conduct regular safety training and awareness programs, ensuring the mandatory use of personal protective equipment. She emphasized that lack of skills and inadequate training are leading causes of workplace accidents in Bangladesh. The OSBB Chairman also stressed the importance of technology-driven training and sector-specific skills development to prepare the workforce for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, highlighting the need for expertise in automation, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies to maintain global competitiveness.