Inauguration of Bangla Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Labour Rights and Industrial Relations initiated by BILS in collaboration with DGB-BW, was held on July 1, 2019 at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital.

Professor Emeritus of Southeast University and founder Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University Professor M Shamsher Ali was present at the programme as the chief guest, while BILS Chairman Md. Habibur Rahman Shiraz was in the chair. Executive Director of the International Center for Development and Decent Work at the University of Kassel Prof. Christoph Scherrer, Workers Specialist of ILO, ACTRAV, South Asia Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, DGB BW Regional Consultant, Asia Indira Gartenberg, President of Bangladesh Apparel Professional Society Major (Retd) Mizanur Rahman Khan, BJSD President Anwar Hossain, SSF General Secretary Razekuzzaman Ratan researchers, academicians, leaders of the National Trade Union Federations, officials of government and non-government organizations and representatives of national and international organizations were also present on the occasion and delivered speech.

Prof. Shamser Ali said, “We are working to ensure Decent Work for the workers. It could be ensured through coordinated effort of workers and owners. Online courses are not yet common in Bangladesh. As a result of BILS initiative, the working people in Bangladesh will be aware of their rights. The solution to ongoing problems over the ages has to be resolved through negotiation. Everyone has to work together. Through this course the workers will be benefited as well, both society and state will be benefited and aware.

This is to be mentioned that Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) aims at providing Bangla-speaking users with analytical skills and practical tools and strategies for improving workers’ rights and strengthening industrial relations to achieve sustainable and inclusive development in Bangladesh. The course is primarily targeted at mid-level trade unionists and labour activists in Bangladesh. At the same time, the broad theme of sustainable and inclusive development, as well as the combination of academic and policy debates in discussing the various topics, is likely to attract users from a wider audience, such as public authorities, employers, researchers, scholars, students and media professionals.