An orientation workshop on the Unemployed Workers Protection Programme (UWPP) and Labour Information Management System (LIMS) was held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara to strengthen social protection for workers in the readymade garment (RMG) sector. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), in collaboration with the European Union-funded TA-SPBS project, organised the day-long workshop for management and human resources officials of member factories.
Workshop Focus
The workshop focused on the implementation process of the UWPP, eligibility criteria for beneficiaries, registration requirements, and the use of a digitalised labour information management system. BGMEA Director Nafis-Ud-Daula and Chairman of its Standing Committee on Skill Development Programme (SDP) Zaved Hossain Bhuiyan attended the programme.
Key Participants and Discussions
Among the government and development partners present were Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and Director of the Central Fund Tahmina Begum, Assistant Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) Al Amin, GIZ Adviser Mahbubul, and EU-funded TA-SPBS Project Manager Valentina. HR representatives from more than 50 member factories also participated.
Addressing the workshop, Nafis-Ud-Daula emphasised the importance of social protection and workers' welfare for the sustainable growth of the garment industry. He highlighted the effective role of the Central Fund's initiatives in supporting workers facing crises and called for continued coordinated efforts by the government, BGMEA, and development partners to enhance the industry's resilience and workers' skills.
Programme Details and Future Steps
Tahmina Begum presented the benefits and implementation progress of the UWPP, an updated version of a social protection initiative introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Operated under the Central Fund of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the programme provides direct monthly cash assistance of Tk 5,000 for up to three months through the government-to-person (G2P) digital payment system to temporarily unemployed workers due to factory closure, accidents, or maternity leave.
The workshop also featured technical sessions and an open discussion. Representatives of the TA-SPBS project explained the application process and procedures for receiving benefits under the UWPP. DIFE Assistant Inspector General Al Amin highlighted the importance of digitalised labour information management and its practical aspects. Participants were urged to ensure accuracy of payroll and National Identification (NID) information to prevent genuine workers in need from being deprived of benefits due to errors in their records.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks by GIZ Adviser Mahbubul. BGMEA's SDP Section-in-Charge and Deputy Secretary Shayla Akter Nova moderated the programme. The organisers expressed hope that the joint initiative of BGMEA, the government, and international organisations would contribute to creating a safer, balanced, and sustainable working environment in the country's garment sector.
