The Economics Study Centre (ESC) of Dhaka University held its 3rd panel discussion on "Global Accelerator for Jobs and Social Protection for a Just Transition-A Bangladesh Context" at the 5th Bangladesh Economics Summit 2024 at DU on Friday.
Among the panelists of the discussion was Saif Mohammad Moinul Islam, senior programme officer, International Labor Organization.
The session was moderated by Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, professor, Department of Economics, DU, and research director, South Asian Network on Economic Modelling (SANEM).
After thanking ESC for successfully organising the panel discussion, Dr Sayema dwelled on certain challenges of the labour market in Bangladesh regarding unemployment, mismatch between academia and the industry, demographic transition, youth unemployment, gender discrimination in workforce, less employment of women in urban areas, lack of concentration on quality jobs and gap in the social protection programme mostly economically vulnerable population.
Barrister Sameer Sattar shared his thoughts on how to move forward with labour market situations and make global acceleration successful.
He pointed out the lack of technological skills caused by a mismatch in employers' expectations and academic curriculum and existing skills training systems. He prioritised promotion of basic computer skills and highlighted lack of knowledge about private jobs, non-cash incentives and effective use of ICT as one of the main reasons for unemployment regarding the situation.
Furthermore, he mentioned the increasing challenges of the 4th IR automation in the workforce and initiatives for the healthcare of workers.
He said, "There is not a shortage of jobs but there is a shortage of employable skills. If you have the skills, you will get the job."
Mr Mesbahuddin Ahmed in his speech focused on workplace safety.
He shared his concern about lack of regulation regarding minimum wage, decent working area, maternity benefits and the strategies or initiatives which could be taken.
He mentioned the dependency on buyer compliance, and the need to find a balance between collective bargaining and worker's safety.
Mr Ahmed emphasised the importance of tripartite dialogue in shaping policy outcomes and acknowledged the existing initiatives taken by the government, employers' organisations and the workers organisations in improving policies in sectors related to mass national policies regarding health and living standards.
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