Bangladesh High Court has directed all workplaces and educational institutions to establish complaint committees to prevent and protect against sexual harassment. In response to this directive, Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Bangladesh, in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) – International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Better Work Bangladesh Programme, has initiated a comprehensive training and advisory programme to ensure these committees are effective and fully functional.
From 12 February to 19 February 2025, a series of one-day kick-off meetings were held. These meetings brought together around 250 participants, including worker representatives, factory management, global brands, and experts from ETI Bangladesh and ILO-BWB. Among the attendees were Abil Bin Amin, Country Manager of ETI Bangladesh; Laetitia Weibel Roberts, Deputy Programme Manager of ILO-BWB; and Afsana Chowdhury, Senior Training Officer of ILO-BWB.
The primary objectives of the kick-off meetings were to discuss timelines and expectations, ensuring alignment among all stakeholders. The events also aimed to establish clear communication channels and foster a shared understanding to facilitate collaboration. Key discussions focused on the formation of committees in compliance with legal requirements.
A central theme of the dialogue was the alignment of the initiative with the national legal framework and international standards, particularly ILO conventions. Participants emphasised the importance of implementing transparent grievance mechanisms, including confidential reporting channels, a victim-centric approach, and ethical investigation protocols, to build trust among workers.
The initiative encompasses training, capacity building, and advisory support.
