North South University and ILO Host Strategic Consultation on Occupational Safety and Health Curriculum
DHAKA, BANGLADESH | 5 May 2026 — The EHS+ Center of North South University (NSU), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), convened a high-level Consultation Programme on 4 May 2026.
The session focused on the development of a “Comprehensive Certificate Course on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH),” designed for undergraduate students, engineers, architects, and industry practitioners.
The programme, held at NSU’s Syndicate Hall, was graced by Mr. Arif Ahmed Khan, Additional Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), and Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor of NSU, as Special Guests.
A Collaborative Vision for Industrial Safety
The event served as a platform for a diverse group of international and local stakeholders. Notable participants included:
Development Partners: Representatives from the Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom.
Industry & Labour: Leadership from Epyllion Group, Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF), BKMEA, Bangladesh Trade Union Sangho, and the Socialist Labour Front.
Academia: Experts from BUET, BRAC University, and the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST).
Professor Nasar U. Ahmed reaffirmed NSU’s commitment to academic excellence and global collaboration. Representing the ILO, Mr. Neeran Ramjuthan, Programme Manager (LAWC Cluster), commended NSU’s project implementation and emphasized the ILO’s dedication to advancing OSH standards under the Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh project—a multi-donor initiative funded by the EU, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada.
Curriculum Innovation and Stakeholder Feedback
A central focus of the morning was the presentation of the proposed course module by Dr. Mahmud A. Shareef and Mr. Shariar Iqbal Raj. The framework is specifically engineered to address contemporary industrial safety challenges through a robust, multidisciplinary lens.
During the interactive consultation phase, industry experts and officials provided strategic recommendations to further strengthen the curriculum, including:
Broadened Scope: Greater emphasis on occupational disease prevention.
Sustainability: Ensuring transparency and long-term accessibility of the course.
Learning Depth: Extending the training duration to ensure comprehensive mastery for professionals.
A Milestone for Decent Work
The successful conclusion of this programme marks a vital step toward institutionalizing safety education in Bangladesh.
By bridging the gap between academic theory and industrial practice, NSU and the ILO are fostering a new generation of professionals equipped to uphold the highest safety standards in the national workforce.
