DHAKA, Aug 27, 2026 (BSS) - An orientation workshop on the Unemployed Workers Protection Programme (UWPP) and Labour Information Management System (LIMS) was held today at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, aiming to strengthen social protection for workers in the readymade garment (RMG) sector.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), in collaboration with the European Union-funded TA-SPBS project, organised the day-long workshop for management and human resources officials of member factories, said a press release today.

The workshop focused on the implementation process of the UWPP, eligibility criteria for beneficiaries, registration requirements and the use of a digitalised labour information management system.

BGMEA Director Nafis-Ud-Daula and Chairman of its Standing Committee on Skill Development Programme (SDP) Zaved Hossain Bhuiyan attended the programme.

Among the government and development partners present were Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and Director of the Central Fund Tahmina Begum, Assistant Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) Al Amin, GIZ Adviser Mahbubul and EU-funded TA-SPBS Project Manager Valentina. 

HR representatives from more than 50 member factories also participated.

Addressing the workshop, Nafis-Ud-Daula said ensuring social protection and workers' welfare is essential for sustainable growth of the garment industry.

He said initiatives of the Central Fund are playing an effective role in supporting workers facing crises, adding that coordinated efforts by the government, BGMEA and development partners should continue to enhance the industry's resilience as well as workers' skills and institutional capacity.

In her welcome speech, Zaved Hossain Bhuiyan stressed strengthening institutional coordination among factories and ensuring that workers receive timely assistance during unemployment or periods of crisis.

EU Programme Manager Valentina called for coordinated efforts among industry stakeholders, the government and development partners to strengthen the social safety net for workers.

She said a sustainable institutional framework is necessary to protect the rights and welfare of workers facing temporary economic hardship. She also assured that the European Union would continue its supportive cooperation for the long-term social protection of RMG workers.

Tahmina Begum presented the benefits and implementation progress of the UWPP.

The UWPP is an updated version of a social protection initiative introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. 

Operated under the Central Fund of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the programme provides direct monthly cash assistance of Tk 5,000 for up to three months through the government-to-person (G2P) digital payment system to temporarily unemployed workers due to factory closure, accidents or maternity leave.

The workshop also featured technical sessions and an open discussion. Representatives of the TA-SPBS project explained the application process and procedures for receiving benefits under the UWPP.

DIFE Assistant Inspector General Al Amin highlighted the importance of digitalised labour information management and its practical aspects.

Participants were also urged to ensure accuracy of payroll and National Identification (NID) information so that genuine workers in need are not deprived of benefits due to errors in their records.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks by GIZ Adviser Mahbubul.

BGMEA's SDP Section-in-Charge and Deputy Secretary Shayla Akter Nova moderated the programme.

The organisers expressed hope that the joint initiative of BGMEA, the government and international organisations would contribute to creating a safer, balanced and sustainable working environment in the country's garment sector.