Bangladesh Employers' Federation

The Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), in collaboration with the ProGRESS Project of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Country Office for Bangladesh, successfully organized a 2-day long “Skills Matching System Testing Session with Employers and Institutes” during 20–21 May 2026. The event was held at the Conference Hall of the Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CWCCI), Chattogram. The skills matching system, developed by a software agency, was piloted for the first time in Chattogram. Participants actively shared their views, feedback, and insights on the system’s usability and effectiveness.
The objective of the program was to test the functionality and practical effectiveness of the skills matching system through active engagement of TVET institutions and employers. The session also aimed to promote the Skills Needs Anticipation (SNA) system, reflecting the ongoing collaboration between BEF and the ProGRESS Project of ILO to strengthen a demand-driven, data-informed skills ecosystem.
The session was facilitated by Mr. Joha Jamilur Rahman, Head of Training, BEF; Mr. Md. Wasfi Tamim, National Programme Officer (Private Sector Engagement); Mr. Tanjel Ahsan, Senior Programme Officer, ProGRESS Project of ILO; and Mr. Md. Feroj Alom Molla, TVET Expert. The training incorporated industry presentations, interactive matching exercises, and group discussions, jointly moderated by BEF and ILO representatives.
A total of around 30 participants from TVET institutions, TVET students, Job seekers and Employers actively participated in the session and contributed to the discussions.

Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), jointly with the International Labour Organization (ILO) – Labour Administration and Working Conditions (LAWC) Cluster, organized a Knowledge Session on the Handbook on Labour Dispute Prevention and Resolution on 20 May 2026 at CWCCI’s Conference Hall in Chattogram.
The session aimed to increase awareness among employers and HR/IR practitioners regarding effective labour dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms, and to strengthen their capacity to utilize the tools outlined in the handbook.
The opening session featured remarks by Mr. Joha Jamilur Rahman, Head of Training, BEF, and Mr. Chowdhury Albab Kadir, Senior Programme Officer, LAWC, ILO. A detailed presentation on the handbook was delivered by Mr. Kadir, followed by an open discussion session.
Mr. Joha shared a summary of the discussion and delivered the concluding remarks.
The program was coordinated by Mr. Moslem Uddin, Assistant Secretary-General, BEF.
A total of 25 participants, including representatives from BEF member organizations and industry leaders, attended the event.

Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Bangladesh, organized an Employers’ Capacity Building Workshop on “Just Transition: Positioning Just Transition as a Driver of Competitiveness, Productivity and Market Access for Enterprises in Bangladesh” on 19 May 2026 at the BEF Office, Police Plaza Concord, Gulshan, Dhaka.
The workshop aimed to build a shared understanding among employers on the concept of Just Transition and its growing importance in the context of climate change, international trade regulations, and evolving global market expectations. The initiative highlighted how Just Transition can serve as a strategic pathway to strengthen enterprise competitiveness, enhance productivity, improve access to finance and markets, and support long-term business sustainability.
Mr. Farooq Ahmed, Secretary-General and CEO, BEF delivered the welcome remarks and emphasized the importance of preparing enterprises to address emerging sustainability requirements and evolving market realities. In addition, Ms. Elisa Benistant Fremigacci, Technical Officer – Just transitions, ILO Country Office for Bangladesh, also delivered her remarks, highlighting the significance of Just Transition in safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable business practices in Bangladesh.
The session was facilitated by Mr. Fredy Guayacan (ILO Senior Specialist, Environment and Decent Work) who shared insights on the Just Transition framework, Bangladesh’s evolving policy landscape, and the opportunities and challenges facing enterprises amid the global shift toward greener and more sustainable economies. Participants also exchanged views on sector-specific challenges, opportunities, and priority actions to support enterprise readiness for future transition processes.
Mr. Md. Saidul Isalm, Additional Secretary-General, BEF concluded the session by summarizing the key takeaways, outlining the way forward, and extending a vote of thanks, acknowledging the valuable contributions of all participants.
A total of 27 participants, including 17 males and 10 females, representing BEF member organizations across sectors attended in the workshop.

Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) – Labour Administration and Working Conditions (LAWC) Cluster, organized a thematic discussion session titled “Effective Alternative Dispute Resolution Processes: Negotiation, Conciliation and Arbitration” on 14 May 2026 at MCCI’s Gulshan office in Dhaka.
The session focused on effective alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms and grievance handling processes, emphasizing early dispute resolution through negotiation, conciliation, and arbitration, along with the exchange of practical experiences. The discussion aimed to enhance participants’ understanding, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote constructive engagement between employers and workers.
Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Saidul Islam, Additional Secretary-General, BEF, and Mr. Chowdhury Albab Kadir, Senior Programme Officer, ILO Bangladesh. A presentation on Effective Alternative Dispute Resolution Processes (Negotiation, Conciliation and Arbitration) was delivered by Mr. Kadir, followed by an interactive discussion. The session concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Saidul Islam.
The event brought together 25 participants, including representatives from BEF member organizations, industry leaders, and business associations such as BGMEA, BKMEA, BJMA, and FLAXA.

The Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF) proudly celebrates May Day 2026, honoring the dedication and resilience of our nation’s workers. The dedication and expertise of the people are the engine propelling Bangladesh's economic advancement and industrial expansion. BEF reaffirms its dedication to promoting safe workplaces, reinforcing cooperation between employers and workers, and advancing economic prosperity for everyone.

Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) – Labour Administration and Working Conditions (LAWC) Cluster, organized a validation workshop on “Handbook on Social Dialogue in Bangladesh for BEF” on 27 April 2026 at the MCCI Conference Hall, Gulshan, Dhaka.
The session focused on strengthening the understanding and practice of social dialogue in Bangladesh’s evolving industrial landscape. It aimed to validate the Handbook developed by BEF and ILO by incorporating stakeholder feedback, ensuring its relevance, clarity, and practical applicability for employers and HR professionals. The discussion emphasized the importance of trust-based engagement, effective communication, and collaborative mechanisms in fostering harmonious employer-worker relations.
Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Saidul Islam, Additional Secretary-General, BEF, and Ms. Nada Aridhi, Technical Specialist, LAWC Cluster, ILO Bangladesh. A presentation on the Handbook and its key components was delivered by Ms. Rukhsana Yasmin Arzoo, Senior Programme Officer, LAWC Cluster, ILO. The presentation was followed by an interactive discussion session where participants shared their insights and recommendations for further refinement of the Handbook.
The workshop brought together 25 participants, including representatives from BEF member organizations, industry leaders, and business associations such as BKMEA, BAPI, BTMA, and FLAXA.

The Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) – Labour Administration and Working Conditions (LAWC) Cluster, organized a thematic discussion on “Labour Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Grievance Handling and Resolution Strategies” on 16 April 2026 at MCCI’s Gulshan office in Dhaka.
The session focused on effective grievance handling, highlighting early dispute resolution and the exchange of practical experiences. It aimed to enhance understanding, strengthen capacity, and promote constructive engagement between employers and workers.
Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Saidul Islam, Additional Secretary-General, BEF, and Ms. Nada Aridhi, Technical Specialist, LAWC Cluster, ILO Bangladesh. A presentation on grievance handling strategies was given by Mr. Chowdhury Albab Kadir, Senior Programme Officer, and Ms. Zariath Tamanna, Team Leader, ILO, followed by an interactive discussion moderated by Ms. Rukshana Yasmin Arzoo, Senior Programme Officer, LAWC. The session concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Saidul Islam.
The event brought together 25 participants, including representatives from BEF member organizations, industry leaders, and business associations such as BGMEA, BKMEA, BAPI, BJMA, and FLAXA.

The Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), in collaboration with the ILO ProGRESS Project, organized a two-day technical workshop on “Competency Skills (CS) Learning Outcome Language with TVET Professionals and HR Personnel” during 15 to 16 April 2026 at the Conference Hall of the Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CWCCI) in Chattogram.

The workshop aimed to bring industry and training providers together to better align training content with real job requirements and develop practical skills checklists for selected occupations. It also promoted collaboration to strengthen workforce readiness and address skills mismatches in Bangladesh.

The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Joha Jamilur Rahman (Head of Training, BEF), Mr. Md. Wasfi Tamim (National Programme Officer, Private Sector Engagement), and Mr. Md. Feroj Alom Molla (National Consultant, TVET Expert, ILO ProGRESS Project). The workshop featured industry presentations, interactive matching exercises, and group discussions, moderated jointly by BEF and ILO.

A total of 26 participants attended, including industry experts, representatives from government technical training institutes, competency standards specialists, and officials from BEF and ILO. Participants came from leading organizations such as BSRM, Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, CPDL, Singer Bangladesh Limited, Elite Hitech Industries Limited, Maf Shoes Limited, KDS Group, Hotel Agrabad Limited, PRAN-RFL Group, K.R Motors, Prantik Group, and Rangs Group.

Representatives from technical training institutions—including Bangladesh-Korea Technical Training Center (BKTTC), Chittagong Mohila Technical Training Center (CMTTC), and Skus Technical Training Centre (STTC)—also participated. The workshop covered key occupational areas such as Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Solar Electrical Systems, Welding, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Sewing Machine Operation, Food and Beverage Services, and Automobile.

Greetings on the Occasion of Bangladesh’s 56th Independence Day

On this 56th Independence Day, the Bangladesh Employers' Federation (BEF) extends heartfelt greetings to the people of Bangladesh. We pay tribute to our freedom fighters and honor the sacrifices that secured our nation’s sovereignty. We reaffirm our commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable industry, and decent employment. May the spirit of independence inspire unity, innovation, and shared prosperity for all.

Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), in collaboration with the ILO, Country Office for Bangladesh and Sylhet Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SWCCI), Sylhet, organized a day-long “Awareness Raising Session on Employment Formalization (Informal Enterprises)” on 12th March 2026 at Conference Hall, Hotel Valley Garden, Subhani ghat, Sylhet. The purpose of the session was to engage informal and semi-formal enterprises to understand how enterprise currently manage workers and are not interested or hesitant to formalize employment practices.

The program was facilitated by Mr. Joha Rahman, Head of Training, BEF who outlined the training objectives and expected outcomes, utilizing participatory methods to engage attendees in an interactive learning experience.

The inaugural session was chaired by Mr. Ruman Ishtiak, Project Officer, ILO Dhaka Office, who welcomed participants and opened the discussion with insights from the private sector on why formalization matters. He highlighted the key motivators and enabling factors that could encourage enterprises to formalize employment (e.g., buyer requirements, access to finance, simplified tools, incentives) and prioritized set of challenges and solutions, including what policy, technical, or institutional support is needed.

A total of 20 participants (Male-02, Female-18) from priority industry sectors availed of this unique learning opportunity. The session was designed for Agro-processing, RMG, Construction, medical and Service.