The Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN), in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), and the National Occupational Safety and Health Training and Research Institute (NOSHTRI), organized two specialized capacity-building training programs for representatives from factories and occupational health stakeholders across the Rajshahi Division from 13–16 June 2026 at the NOSHTRI campus in Rajshahi.
Return to Work (RTW) Training Workshop
A two-day Return to Work (RTW) Training Workshop was held on 13–14 June 2026 to strengthen participants’ capacity to plan, facilitate, and implement effective Return to Work programs within their workplaces. The workshop aimed to support the successful reintegration of workers returning to employment following injury or illness through coordinated workplace support and rehabilitation measures.
The workshop was inaugurated by Chief Guest Mr. Md. Forhad Siddique, Inspector General (Additional Secretary), DIFE, while Engr. Farid Ahmed, Joint Inspector General (Admin), DIFE, attended as Special Guest. The session was chaired by Mr. Md. Bulbul Ahmed, Joint Inspector General, NOSHTRI.
In his remarks, Mr. Md. Forhad Siddique emphasized the importance of structured Return to Work mechanisms in ensuring workers’ wellbeing, reducing productivity loss, and fostering sustainable workplace practices. Engr. Farid Ahmed highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among employers, workers, and service providers to ensure successful workplace reintegration of injured or ill employees.
A total of 26 participants representing 7 factories, along with officials from NOSHTRI and DIFE, participated in the training. Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, case studies, and experience sharing, participants enhanced their knowledge and skills to support effective injury management and workplace reintegration.
Occupational Disease and Occupational Medicine Training
The Occupational Disease and Occupational Medicine Training was held on 15–16 June 2026 to enhance participants’ knowledge and capacity on occupational health risks, disease prevention, hazard identification, risk assessment, occupational medicine, workplace safety measures, and relevant provisions of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 and international labour standards.
The training covered key occupational health topics including musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory diseases, hearing impairment, mental health, women’s health, heat-related illnesses, and first-aid management. Participants also explored practical approaches to identifying workplace hazards, preventing occupational diseases, and promoting safer and healthier working environments.
A total of 17 participants representing four factories, one medical college, two diagnostic centres, and NOSHTRI took part in the training. Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, case studies, and experience sharing, participants strengthened their understanding of occupational diseases and occupational medicine, contributing to improved occupational safety and health outcomes in their respective organizations.
Through these training initiatives, BBDN and its partners continue to promote occupational safety and health, disability inclusion, and sustainable employment practices by strengthening institutional and workplace capacity across Bangladesh.