The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) signed an agreement Wednesday to enhance workplace safety and healthcare facilities in ten priority economic sectors.

They will conduct several capacity-building and promotional activities at institutional and enterprise levels.

These activities will be supported by ILO's RMG programme funded by Canada and the Netherlands, according to a media statement.

Under the agreement, 15 safety units will be set up in electronic and electrical, chemical, plastic, light engineering, leather, food processing, furniture, printing and packaging, domestic apparel and steel rerolling industries.

Simultaneously, 2,400 safety representatives and 100 safety committees will be developed to improve awareness and capacity on workplace safety and health among employers and workers.

ILO Bangladesh Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen said: "We are pleased to join forces with the FBCCI to promote safety culture and practices in priority industries."

"We hope that our collective efforts will help prevent many occupational accidents, injuries and diseases and save countless lives."

FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin said: "Ensuring the safety of workers is our utmost priority. We have teamed up with the ILO to invest in strong and functional safety units, safety committees and safety representatives."

"Strengthening workplace safety and health at institutional and enterprise levels will make our factories safer and more productive which will benefit the national economy."

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