Assignment On

Bangladesh Institute of Labor

Studies

Course Name: Industrial Relations

Course Code: MGT-309
Submitted to: Dr. Md. Wahidul Habib
Course Instructor
Jahangirnagar University

Submitted by:
The Wizards
Name ID No
Abo Salek Md. Nasim (L) 1765
Md Mostafizur Rahman 1754
Md. Eyasin Arafat 1748
Nurul Amin 2339
Suravi Akter 1737

Submission date: 26 January, 2017

 Letter of Transmittal

26 January, 2017
Dr. Md. Wahidul Habib
Course Instructor
Jahangirnagar University

Subject: Submission of Assignment on Bangladesh Institute of

Labor Studies

Dear Sir,
It gives us immense pleasure to submit an assignment on
Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies. This assignment is
submitted as a partial fulfillment as a part of our course. The
preparation of the assignment has given ours and insightful
experience and in-depth knowledge on interview. We have given
ours best effort to make it a worthy one and each aspect of the
problem is considered and studied as required.
If any confusion arises or further explanation is needed, we shall
be available to explain the matter to you as and when required
despite when required despite having limitations. Your benign and
authoritative advice will encourage us to conduct further flaw less
research in future.

Sincerely,

Abo Salek Md Nasim

On behalf of Group: The Wizards
Department of Management Studies
Jahangirnagar University
 Acknowledgement

In the beginning, we want to give thanks to Almighty to help us

complete this assignment on Bangladesh Institute of Labor
Studies Though It was a complex task to us to analyze, but we
have get extraordinary support from our teacher to complete it
properly. We have completed overall process through qualitative
& strategic point of view.
We are thankful to our honorable teacher Dr. Md. Wahidul Habib
for helping us providing information in the right process. Without
her unconditional cooperation it would never be possible. Her
valuable cooperation helps us to make it properly within short
time.
We are really acknowledge to our supervisor for her instruction on
assignment writing guidelines, recent issues, obstacles and some
others important terms help us having extra consideration. So
without her help and support it will not possible us to prepare.
 Bangladesh Institute of Labor
Studies BILS
Head of Organization: Nazrul Islam Khan (Executive Director)
Location: Dhanmondi, Bangladesh

Established in 1995, Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies-BILS is the only labor

institute of the country. As an apex organization, BILS endeavors to uphold the
causes of working people and trade unions of Bangladesh. 13 major National Trade
Union Federations are associated with BILS.

Keeping in view to build up a just and democratic society, enabling the workers
organizations to play appropriate role as a major force BILS emphasizes on capacity
building of the Trade Unions through training, research and information sharing.
Protecting workers rights is the main objective of BILS and it strives to promote just
and worker friendly policies and laws in Bangladesh. It also plays a catalyst role in
bridging trade unions, civil society and the government on labor market issues.

The BILS mission is to co-operate the trade union movement in Bangladesh to grow
like a special partner and as vanguard for democratic development and common
prosperity. Forthcoming days are challenging and yet prosperous. The TU movement
has always and shall, in future too, have to overcome the challenges and embrace
the prosperity. It is only a united, strong, capable, effective and responsible TU
movement which can accomplish the task. The BILS mission is to corporate the TU
movement in Bangladesh to grow like that. And that is the only way to improve the
capacity of the national trade union movement to put into effects in an organized
and effective way, the real desire of the workers, at large, who have learnt from
their experience the necessity of unity, knowledge and skill. This is what the BILS
wants to do as an institute of the working people.
History
BILS was established in 1995 on 5th November as an institute of the working
people. It was initiated and established by the eminent Labor leaders of our country,
and almost all the major national trade union federations were actively involved in
its initiation. Renowned Labor leader and organizer Martyr Ahsanullah Master was
the chairman of BILS up to 2004. Nowadays, BILS is headed by its new Chairman
Md. Habibur Rahman Seraz, who was the former General Secretary of Jatiyo Sramik
League and presently the Labor and Employment Secretary of Bangladesh Awami
League. Former ambassador and internationally recognized trade union leader
Nazrul Islam Khan, who is also the President of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal,
is the Secretary General of BILS.

The Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) had its origin in Pakistan,
named as the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) and established
in June 1957. The PIDE was moved to Dhaka in January 1971. After the emergence
of independent Bangladesh in 1971, the Institute was called the Bangladesh
Institute of Development Economics (BIDE). Later on, a Parliamentary Charter was
awarded in 1974 and the Institute was renamed as the Bangladesh Institute of
Development Studies (BIDS) to reflect its multidisciplinary focus of development
research. It was incorporated as an autonomous body, governed by a high powered
Board of Trustees under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Planning, Government
of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh. Since 1974, through a process of national
level institutional restructuring, two other institutionsthe Population Study Centre
and the National Foundation for Research on Human Resources Development
were merged with BIDS in 1982 and 1983 respectively.

Initially, funding for BIDS was made through regular government budgetary support.
In 1983, the Government created an endowment fund to ensure a source of
recurring revenue for running the Institute, thereby reducing its dependence on
regular budgetary support, and enabling BIDS to enjoy more functional autonomy. In
2009, the Government provided a Research Endowment Fund of Tk. 200 million to
support core institutional research of BIDS. Some donor agencies and foundations
also provide resources for its activities.

Company Overview
BILS props up the endeavors of the Labor movement to act in proper with the Labor
rights issues and its social actions. BILS is an initiative of senior trade union leaders
of the country with a view to establish a common platform of trade union activists to
contribute to the causes of working people community. It facilitates to strengthen
links and networks between trade unions and other civil society organizations with
similar interests, particularly in the justification of human and democratic rights and
social justice in all its aspects. 13 major trade union federations, which belong more
than 80 percent of the united workforce of the country, are associated with BILS.
General Information
BILS is governed by a 392 members general body that elects an executive
committee in its general meetings for every two years. Between the general
meeting the executive committee is the highest decision making body for BILS and
its projects. The Executive body meets at least 4 times in a year to take strategic
decisions.

12 members Advisory Council plays a vital role in the process of BILS activities.
Veteran trade union leaders are in the council, who frequently visit BILS and meet
twice in a year in the EC-AC joint meetings.

Vision
BILS, established by the Labor movement, shall contribute to develop Bangladesh to
be a prosperous democratic society, which will be free from discrimination and
exploitation of all kinds and where equal rights and opportunities will be ensured for
all people in respect of fulfilling their basic needs like food, shelter, education,
medical care, social security, rule of law, peace and progressive socio-cultural
environment. Workers should not be treated as a commodity but the respectable
partner of progress.

Mission
BILSs Mission is to co-operate the Trade Union movement in Bangladesh to grow
like a social partner and as vanguard for democratic development and common
prosperity. Forthcoming days are challenging and yet prosperous. The TU movement
has always and shall in future too, have to overcome the challenges and embrace
the prosperity. It is only way to improve the capacity of the National Trade Union
Movement to put into effects in an organized and effective way, the real desire of
the workers at large, who have learnt from their experience the necessity of unity,
knowledge and skill.
Objectives:
To strengthen the capacity of the trade union movement to become
recognized as an active partner in the social dialogue regarding the
development process of Bangladesh.

To contribute to the effective participation and functioning of the TU

movement in the tripartite mechanism.

To develop a workers-friendly mind setup of the society where workers rights

are recognized and honored.

To contribute to a greater unity in Labor movement and encourage organizing

more workers in Trade Unions.

To contribute to the strengthening of the democratic process of Trade Unions

and their ability to improve services to their members.

To contribute in the process of establishing an exploitation free society by

ensuring workers fair share of the national wealth and development.

To contribute to the strengthening of national regional and international

solidarity and networking of the workers organizations and institutions.

To ensure the ability and skill of the TU movement to render services, and the
capacity in order to address the priorities of the members.

To enhance the ability of the TU movement to recruit more members and gain
more practical strength to combat challenges.

Services
BILS has brought all major national trade union federations on a single
platform to act jointly for the causes of working people.

BILS has developed an effective network with the civil society actors and has
raised a voice against the violation of workers basic human rights.

BILS has earned strength to create pressure on the policy level on the
necessary issues for working people.
 BILS has developed a number of trade union activists as trainer, educator,
researcher and campaigner.

BILS has developed itself as a resourceful center on trade union and workers
issues.

Library
The BIDS library has a collection of over 140,000 books, documents, journals and
Studies.

Publications
The Publication Section publishes books, journals, policy briefs, monographs, and
other reports for promoting a wide dissemination of BIDS research activities and
findings. The Section, with equipment to meet the Institute's publishing
requirements, also provides sales services to its local and foreign customers and
promotes BIDS publication through complimentary and exchange programs. The
BIDS publications have wide circulation amongst researchers, policymakers and the
general readers.

The Bangladesh Development Studies (BDS) is the quarterly journal of the Institute.
This is published in English. It enjoys international reputation and is currently in its
35th years of publication. The BDS carries research articles, notes, and book
reviews by BIDS researchers as well as by national and international scholars.

The Bangladesh Unnayan Samikkhya (BUS) is published annually in Bangla. It

contains articles, notes, and book reviews. It is widely read by students and
researchers as well as by people of different walks of life interested in development
issues.

BILS also have

Own Trainers team

Own Worker specific Training manuals/Handouts/Resource Documents

Modern Seminar Room

Own Training Centre

Own Research Team

Own Legal Advisor

Issue Areas
Fair Trade,
Globalization Impacts,
Human Rights and Civil Liberties,
Living Wages,
Worker Rights

What BILS do
Capacity Building and support TU

Advocacy and Lobbying

Training and Education

Elimination of Worst form of Child Labor

Organizing Forum and Networking

Research and Studies

Communication and Information

Internship and Academic Collaboration

Strength of BILS
Out of total 32 registered national trade union centres, major 14 are affiliated with
BILS. BILS has active representative in various worker related Government Policy
Intervention Committee. As a whole BILS has a great access to the working class
through its affiliated national trade union centres and basic unions.

BILS can utilize all of its experiences, set-up and networks to reach the target
group as well as to implement the proposed project.

Functions of BILS
BILS activities cover Training, Education, Publication, Research, Advocacy, Dialogue, Seminar, Workshop,
Information Service, Exchange Program and other services in the trade union and Labor market sector.
Training: BILS organizes training and education programs for capacity building of trade unions with a
view to prepare them as effective actors in reaching out more and more general workers and TU
members with the information and knowledge on issues related to workers basic human rights.

Dialogues: BILS organizes workshops, seminars and dialogues etc. bringing people together from
different sections of the society, including politicians, economists, civil society members, professionals
and experts from related fields to integrate them in workers issues and to build opinion and raise voice
on the issues.

Research and Studies: To assist the trade unions with time worthy and precise arguments in favor
of their campaign and advocacies BILS carries out studies and researches on various workers, trade union
and Labor market issues.
Impact of Globalization on Working People, Organizational Mapping in Selected Sectors, Occupational
Safety and Health, Status of Minimum Wage are among the major researches of BILS.

Information Sharing: BILS shares information related to workers and trade union issues with trade
unions, researchers, journalists and academicians with a view to keep them updated with the present
status of world of work. BILS library and Documentation Center and the Web-page (www.bils-bd.org) are
the main sources of information for them. Moreover, BILS regular publications like journal named 'Labor'
and magazine named 'Labor News', various campaign materials like posters, brochures, handbooks,
leaflets are major sources of information.

Beneficiary (target) group:

i. Trade Union leaders & Workers
ii. Policy Makers
iii. Researchers & Academicians
iv. Relevant government agencies

Major Activities:
i. Research
ii. Communication and exchange of information
iii. Training, education and vocational programs
iv. Legal assistance service
v. OHS service
vi. Organizing unorganized

BILS ACTIVITIES

1. Information
BILS Information Department provides information services to the BILS-associated
NTUCs, mass media and other development partners at home and abroad. Trade
Union activists, educationists, researchers, journalists are the main target groups of
the services of this department.

BILS Bulletin Srama Sangbad

BILS Bulletin covers the activity news of BILS and its projects, the trade unions and
other organizations working for the welfare of workers. This is a publication of both
Bengali and English versions. Quarterly BILS Publishes 1000 copies of its bulletin in
Bengali and 1000 copies in English version. This is an in-house publication for
internal circulation.

Besides BILS publishes a special issue on May Day in both Bengali and English
Version every year.

BILS Journal LABOR

Another regular publication of BILS is its Journal LABOR. It is a quarterly publication

of both Bengali and English versions. From 1998 to till date BILS published a total of
17 issues of its journal.

The quantity of this publication is 1000 copies in Bengali and 1000 copies in English.

Trade union rights, Child Labor elimination, Women Workers Development,

Occupational Health and Safety, Social Security, Labor laws, Life and Struggle of
Working People, Misery of workers life all these are key areas to concentrate in the
articles published in journal.

BILS leaders, trade union activists, university teachers, researchers, journalists are
the regular contributors of this publication. Besides BILS research findings on
different Labor issues are also published in this journal. BILS always feels pleased to
keep an academic essence in this publication.

Press Clippings

From its inception BILS has been compiling Local and global news or articles
published in the national and regional newspapers directly or indirectly related with
interest of working people in fortnight basis. BILS names it as Press Clipping. BILS-
associated NTUCs and BILS leaders are the recipients of these press clippings. This
service is provided to the leaders in order to keep them updated on the latest
conditions of the Labor market and other related important issues. This is a Bengali
version. A compilation of English reporting in newspapers also prepared in monthly
basis. International agencies, Organizations, donors are the recipients of these
clippings.

Feature Services
For last few years BILS has been publishing features on workers rights and Labor
issues in national dailies and weeklies at its own initiative. Every year several
numbers of features are published. Journalists from different newspapers write
these features for BILS. Almost 30 Features have been published in dailies and
weeklies as BILS Feature in these years.

Workshop for Journalists

BILS organizes a workshop on The Role of Mass Media in Protecting Workers Rights
for journalists every year. Last three years BILS organized three workshops in
Dhaka, Khulna and Chittagong respectively.

Through this workshop BILS is getting mention worthy results. Journalists found this
course as very effective and showed keen interest to attend this type of workshop
more and more. They even suggested to organize such workshop in district level
and pointed on the necessity of follow-up.

Trade Union and Media Communication Seminar

It is another regular activity of BILS Information Department, which is organized

every year. Its a five-day orientation course for TU activists on Journalism and
Communication. BILS always hires an Expert team to conduct this seminar. Through
this seminar BILS tries to make TU activists capable to prepare bulletin, newsletter,
leaflet and other publications of their own organizations. Participants also get
knowledge on preparing press release on their activities and feature writing. By this
time BILS Organized three 5 day seminars on Trade Union and Media
Communication.

2. Research Divisions
Agriculture and Rural Development Division (ARDD)

The Agriculture and Rural Development Division (ARDD) deals with issues related to
agriculture, natural resources management, and rural development.

General Economics Division (GED)

The research in the General Economics Division (GED) is concerned with

macroeconomic management, globalization and trade, monetary and fiscal policy
regimes, and related development issues.

Human Resources Development Division (HRDD)

The mandate of the Human Resources Development Division (HRDD) is to carry out
research on issues related to human resources including education, health,
nutrition, poverty, and gender and empowerment issues.

Industry and Physical Infrastructure Division (IPID)

All research related to manufacturing activities including small and medium

enterprises (SMEs), micro enterprises, rural industries, and infrastructure are carried
out in the Industry and Physical Infrastructure Division (IPID).

Population Studies Division (PSD)

The Population Studies Division (PSD) has demographers and other researchers.

3. Research Department (BILS)

Background

Research oriented education, Training, current information and publication is

the basic and regular activities of BILS research Department.

To realize the actual condition of Labor.

To facilitate in complying the national Labor related policy.

To facilitate trade union in nation and international Labor related issues.

Framework

Subjective research in project planning.

Research of supporting organization.

Analyzing the workplace accident, disputes, and violence data.

Providing update information, reports according to the demands of Trade

Union.

Conducting internship program.

Research Field

Rights and welfare of Labor force.

Labor law.
 Protection and rights of the migrant workers.

Worse condition of informal Labor.

Occupation health and safety.

Challenge of Trade Union and development strategies.

Rights of the female Labor.

Low salaries and social safety.

Conducting Labor related small and large scheme research.

Research Strategies

Preparing research content and introductory parts

Various Program, recommendations from workshop, seminar, executive and

advisory board

Research inauguration by donor organizations.

Receiving directions and supervisions

Workshop among the research implementation and monitoring committee

Recruit consultants (Labor related researcher, specialist, and university

teacher)

Intern participations (EX and current intern)

Presenting the draft reports

Assessment of the related stakeholders

Preparing the final reports.

Modification, elaboration and sophistication of the reports.

Published through media, Trade Unions, website, and newsletter.

4. Internship Program-BILS
Objective

Encouraging for Labor and Labor related Research.

Preparing Labor and Labor related Researcher.

Facilitate to increase the occupation efficiency and providing practical

knowledge about organizational behaviors.

Working Strategies

Regular communications and co-ordinations from external and internal

supervisors.

Providing overall idea about formal activities and working strategies of the
institution.

Preparing a plan with the collaboration between research and program.

Specified the research field.

Draft report Reviewing.

Presenting the final report.

Evaluation and publication.

Participation and Research Field

Trade Union history of Bangladesh.

Overall observation of female workers in their maternity protection.

Labor related laws and policies.

Working environment and workers rights.

Working environment and socio- economic condition of tea industries

workers.

Workplace accidents, disputes and Violence.

Labor Welfare Centre.

Indigenous women workers and Beauty parlar Industries.

Rights and working environment of industrial workers.

 Problem of Labors in Labor court.

Category: Society & Culture

Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies (BILS) is the only Labor institute in

Bangladesh seeks to promote the rights and interests of working people and trade
unions of Bangladesh. At least 13 leading National Trade Union Federations are
linked up with BILS; these 13 trade union federations keeps more than 80 per cent
unified workforce of the country. Since its formation, the Institute has been played a
very vital role in protecting workers rights in the Country. In addition to it, BILS
endeavors to uphold worker compatible policies and laws in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies is always committed to create a steady
relationship among the trade unions, civil society and the Government regarding
the Labor market issues. BILS also gives emphasis on capacity building of the trade
unions and Labor market sector by - providing training and education; conducting
research; organizing seminar, workshop and dialogue; exchanging program;
shearing information and other services.

These are the following 13 leading

National Trade Union Federations which
have linkage with Bangladesh Institute
of Labor Studies (BILS):

* Jatiya Sramik Federation Bangladesh (JSFB)

* Jatiya Sramik Federation (JSF)
* Bangladesh Trade Union Kendra (BTUK)
* Bangladesh Free Trade Union Congress (BFTUC)
* Bangladesh Labor Federation (BLF)
* Bangladesh Sangjukta Sramik Federation (BSSF)
* Jatiya Sramik League (JSL)
* Bangladesh Sramik Federation (BSF)
* Bangladesh Jatiya Sramik Federation (BJSF)
* Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal (BJSD)
* Bangladesh Mukto Sramik Federation (BMSF)
* Jatiya Sramik Jote (JSJ) and
* Bangladesh Jatiya Sramik Jote (BJSJ)
 Join the Team of BILS
Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies-BILS devotes the endeavors for protecting the
rights of working people and enhancing the capacity of trade unions, invites
applications from qualified persons for the following opportunities:

1. Accounts Officer (Position: 01)

Job Description/Responsibilities

To maintain all Bank accounts of reconciliation statement

Maintain Cash book, Ledger book & transaction related activities both office
and bank
Correspondence with bank and preparation of bank reconciliation statement
accordingly
Prepare of cash, cheque receipts & payments vouchers and maintain
relevant books of accounts.
Prepare monthly, Quarterly & yearly financial report
Provide assistance to the purchase committee for procure any items.
Maintain all relevant to stoke register
Provide logistic support during Training/ Workshop/ Meeting/ Seminar
Liaison with Donor Agency and fulfill their requirements
Dealing properly Tax & Vat as per Govt. rules.
Provide in support to both Internal and External Audit
Any other responsibility designed by BILS management
To operate and preserve computerized accounting package and to provide
training to the junior staff if required.

Educational Requirements: Masters in Accounting with C.A CC

Experience & Other Requirements:

Minimum 4 year(s) job experience in development organization.

Job experience with any Manusher Janno Foundation project will be
encouraged.
Age below or equal to 35 year(s)

Salary Range: Total TK 22,500/-

Job Location: Dhaka

2. Library and Documentation Officer:
Requirements:

Masters degree in any discipline. Degree in Library and Information sciences

will be preferred. Education qualification may be relaxed for highly
experienced candidate.
3 years job experiences, including 1 year in the same functional area.
Computer literate with advanced skill on Library database and World Wide
Web.
Good verbal and written communication skills both English and Bangla.

Job Description / Responsibilities:

Overall management of the Library and act as the focal person of the BILS
library.
Search, select and process Librarys new acquisitions and subscriptions in
print and electronic formats.
Preparing Catalogue.
Documentation.
Dissemination.
Compilation of regular news clippings on Labor issues.

Salary per Month: Tk 21,100

Job Location: Dhaka

3. Female Candidate are encouraged to apply

Interested candidates meet the above requirements and confident to discharge the
mentioned tasks and responsibilities are requested to apply with a one page
statement in favor of his/her candidature as per core competences for the post and
a detailed CV along with a recent passport size photograph to the Secretary
General, Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies-BILS, through e-mail to
bils@citech.net on or before 17 September, 2012.
 Events of BILS

The Regional Gender Project of FES in

collaboration with Bangladesh Institute
of Labor Studies

The Regional Gender Project of FES in collaboration with Bangladesh Institute of

Labor Studies, Bangladesh, FES India and Bangladesh office organized its Annual
South Asia Gender Summit on Gender Based Violence at Workplace from 16-17th
October 2014 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Summit was inaugurated by the Hon.
State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroz Chumki. Participants from
Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka attended the event. The
participants included GBV experts, NGO representatives, TU representatives,
Journalists, Academicians, and Policy Makers.
Inauguration of month-long campaign
programme held observing the
anniversary of the enactment of
Domestic Workers Protection and
Welfare Policy-2015

Domestic Workers Rights Network organized a month long campaign program

observing the anniversary of the enactment of Domestic Workers Protection and
Welfare Policy, 2015 on January 4, 2017 at National Press Club Auditorium. The
main objectives of this campaign program are to create awareness about Domestic
Workers Protection and Welfare Policy, 2015, to take recommendations for future
activities and to prepare program plan and strategy.

Mentioning the policy which is made by the government to protect the domestic
workers rights as a major achievement, the State Minister for Labor and
Employment Mujibul Haque MP said, Domestic workers were recognized by the
state. He urged all citizens of State to follow this policy.

State Minister for the Ministry of Labor and Employment Mujibul Haque, MP was
present as Chief Guest to inaugurate the campaign program while BILS Chairman
Md. Habibur Rahman Shiraz was in the chair. BLAST Deputy Director Advocate
Borkot Ali was the Moderator in the program. Among others, Joint Secretary of
Ministry of Labor and Employment Md. Aminul Islam, Oxfam Bangladesh Acting
Country Director M B Akhter, BILS Joint Secretary General Dr. Wajedul Islam Khan,
Jatiya Garhostha Nari Sramik Union Advisor Abul Hossen, BILS Executive Director
Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, DWRN Member Secretary Nazma Yesmin along with
leaders of network affiliated National Trade Union Federations and representatives
of Human Rights organizations, representatives of Central Monitoring Cell for
implementation of Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy, 2015 and
representatives of Oxfam Bangladesh were present in the program. The Program
was followed by rally and cultural event. More than 200 Domestic Workers
participated at the program.

BILS-SKOP Roundtable held on Safe

Workplace, Decent Work and Proper
Compensation
Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies (BILS) and Sramik Karmochari Oikya Parishad
(SKOP) jointly organized a roundtable titled Safe Workplace, Decent Work and
Proper Compensation are the Human Rights of the Workers on December 18, 2016
at Azimur Rahman Conference Hall of Daily Star Building. BILS...

Dhaka Skill Declaration-2016 2nd Day Dhaka Skill Declaration 2016

Dhaka Skill Declaration 2016

BILS submits Recommendations Paper to
the Ministry of Industries on the Draft
Ship Breaking and Ship Recycling Rules-
2011
Aimed at analysing as well as drawing recommendations on the draft Rule on Ship
breaking titled The Ship Breaking and Ship Recycling Rules-2011, BILS organised a
series of meetings on October 27, 2011 and November 1, 2011 at its Seminar Hall in
Dhaka, where senior trade union leaders of different national trade union
federations and members of Ship Breaking Workers Trade Union Forum attended.
Ministry of Industries prepared the draft rule and later posted it on their Website
for public call.

BILS Vice Chairman Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan chaired those meetings where among
others; SKOP Coordinator Dr Wajedul Islam khan, Ship Breaking Workers Trade
Union Forum Convener Tapan Dutta, and Treasurer Rizwanur Rahman Khan were
present. At the end of the series, BILS came to a conclusion that some important
areas of the Rules should be revised or changed for the betterment of the Ship
Breaking and Ship Recycling Industries.

The paper stresses on the clarity saying, according to the definition of Industrial
Establishment stated in Bangladesh Labor Law 2006, Article 2 (61) (Jha), Ship
Breaking activities should be defined as an Industrial Establishment.

It strongly recommends that this rule should not limit the Ministry of Labor and
Employment and its implementing agencies in case of inspection.

It also recommends ensuring that the said rules should include a statement in its
preamble/ introduction that workers rights such as issuing appointment letter &
identity card, job security, eight hour work etc. should be ensured according to
Labor law and it should be pre requisite for registration, as these rights are essential
to identify workers for training, ensuring their safety and getting compensation
mentioned in the rules.

The paper strongly recommends that a high power tripartite monitoring body is
needed to be formed to monitor the action of different implementing agencies. It
also recommends that workers have constitutional rights to form trade union by
their own representatives, which is needed to be respected.

The paper says, to ensure the safety for all workers, clear measure should be taken
to stop present contractors dependent operational system.

The paper expresses its frustration to see that no single clause has mentioned on
the mass demanded Pre cleaning of ships before entering into Bangladesh sea
boundary.
However, the paper thanks the Ministry of Industry for inviting BILS and `Ship
Breaking Trade Union Forum in the first consultation meeting but strongly feels
that National Trade Unions should be consulted prior finalization of the draft and
further consultation is needed with the civil society organizations including BILS,
BELA and other organizations working on the issues for long time.

Conclusion
BILS props up the endeavors of the Labor movement to act in proper with the Labor
rights issues and its social actions. BILS is an initiative of senior trade union leaders
of the country with a view to establish a common platform of trade union activists to
contribute to the causes of working people community. It facilitates to strengthen
links and networks between trade unions and other civil society organizations with
similar interests, particularly in the justification of human and democratic rights and
social justice in all its aspects. 13 major trade union federations, which belong more
than 80 percent of the united workforce of the country, are associated with BILS.

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