Workplace inclusion key to advancing social and economic equity

 An effective national policy on equality is required to promote Inclusion through fair recruitment practices and anti-discrimination measures in Bangladesh to ensure that no one willing to work is excluded from the job market. Participants in a national dialogue on creating better futures are heard.

Md Rubel Islam, a student at UCEP Bangladesh, lamented the lack of practical skills and asked for more opportunities to connect with employers. "Is there any communication between the education system and industry to keep youth current on employment requirements?" He called for initiatives to ensure that the skills youth acquire can be used in the labour market.

Lily Prue Marma from Chittagong Hill tracts highlighted challenges Indigenous peoples face, including lack of training and job opportunities, geographical and language barriers, and calling for affirmative action and accountability to ensure Inclusion.
The dialogue, organised by ILO, the Bangladesh Business and Disability Network and Bonhishikha to commemorate Labour Day, highlighted the importance of Inclusion in the labour market and celebrated voices of resilience and change in the workplace.

"We gather to recognise the resilience, ambition, and rights of all workers, especially those whose voices have too often gone unheard. The importance of equal opportunities for all women and men cannot be overstated as Bangladesh charts a new future for its people," said ILO's Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen.

The event heard from inspiring women and men from marginalised groups who are making it big in business and breaking through workplace barriers to make their contribution to society and the economy.

Speakers acknowledged that discrimination persists, structurally and unconsciously, calling for clear policies and a change in culture and mindsets.
"Effective inclusion can only be achieved based on labour rights; this must be the foundation of inclusion and equality," said Badal Khan, workers' representative and Chairman of the National Coordination Committee for Workers' Education (NCCWE).

The Bangladesh Employers' Federation's Vice President, Tahmid Ahmed, emphasised: "Inclusion must go beyond policy; it must be part of the workplace culture that affords dignity and protection to all workers. The stories we have heard today inspire us to do more to build inclusive workplaces."

"Inclusive labour markets are not just a development goal, but a question of dignity and equity and economic and social justice for everyone. Inclusion benefits individuals and strengthens entire communities and economies," said AHM Shafiuzzaman, the Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Sharmeen S Murshid, Advisor to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and the Ministry of Social Welfare, highlighted the issue of women's safety at home, during commutes to and from work, and at work as a key factor in ensuring women's inclusion in the workforce.

"There is a big gap in public transportation and at the workplace where sexual harassment is rampant, which requires policy reforms to guarantee the safety of women in the world of work," said Sharmeen S Murshid. We are reviewing how to make stronger policies and ensure their implementation in every institution and organisation."

Labour Adviser Brigadier General (R.) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain closed the dialogue by emphasising enforcement of the law, especially in the issue of sexual violence and harassment of women, saying the consequences for such actions would be dire.