On March 16, 2025, Bangladesh Business & Disability Network (BBDN), in collaboration with GIZ Bangladesh, hosted a quarterly coordination meeting with ToT Alumni on Occupational Medicine and Occupational Diseases under the “Social Protection for Workers in the Textile and Leather Sector” (SOSI) project. Held at the BEF Motijheel Office, the meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss progress, challenges, and opportunities in strengthening occupational health and safety practices.
The discussion centered around the experiences and insights of ToT alumni, who had previously completed a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program in November. These master trainers are now actively working to improve workplace health and safety standards by conducting training at the factory level. The session also explored future collaborations and initiatives to enhance the impact of occupational health programs, with valuable input from experts and representatives from GIZ, ILO, and the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) Unit.
Key attendees included Mr. Shafiqul Islam, Special Advisor to the EIS Pilot Special Unit; Mr. Syed Saad Hussain Gilani, Chief Technical Advisor, Project to Support Employment Injury Scheme (ILO); Mr. Syed Moazzem Hussain, Senior Social Protection Advisor, SOSI (GIZ); and Dr. Rushan Afroze, Health Advisor, SOSI (GIZ). From BBDN, Director Operations Ms. Aziza Ahmed and other team members participated. Additionally, the meeting was graced by the presence of Ruben Capote, Country Manager of The Simon Project, and Anny Chowdhury, HR Manager of The Timon Project.
This coordination meeting reinforced the commitment of all stakeholders to creating safer, healthier workplaces by strengthening occupational medicine and disease prevention initiatives. With continued collaboration and engagement, we move forward in creating a more inclusive and sustainable work environment in Bangladesh.