BILS has been implementing activities such as Leadership Development in the Labour Rights Movement in Bangladesh and Academy of Work (AoW) Courses. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) is supporting these interventions. Apart from this project intervention, BILS organizes events in different project locations on a regular basis. On May 26–27, 2023, a Youth Study Camp took place at Dream Square Resort, Gazipur. The youth Trade Union members and leaders who belong to the Dhaka zone were the participants in this camp.

BILS organizes a youth study camp every year as part of the project’s activities. This year, this study circle was organized with the participation of the youth Trade Union leadership and members from the Dhaka zone. Along with the participants in this youth study camp, Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Project Advisory Committee member, BILS-FES Project; Shakil Akhter Chowdhury, BILS Executive Committee member, Nazma Yesmin, Director, BILS; Iqbal Hossain, Programme Advisor, FES-Bangladesh; and Khorshed Alam, AoW Alumni, joined in different sessions. Other BILS officials were also part of this youth study camp. With the inaugural speech from Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, PAC Member, BILS’s two-day-long youth Study Camp got a kick start.

The youth study camp started after reaching the venue with a short introductory session. In this session, all the participants introduced themselves. From BILS, Nazma Yesmin had the welcome remarks to all the participants. After that, Shakil Akhter Chowdhury gave his opening remarks to the participants. Then Iqbal Hossain shared his welcome words with the participants. After the opening session, Meemnur Hosain Turzo helped the participants to create four different groups among them and assigned different responsibilities to each group. After that, the lunch break took place. After the break the first session started.

The first session of the youth study camp started with an insightful and thought-provoking presentation on “Labour Rights in Bangladesh.” The session, led by the esteemed Shakil Akter Chowdhury, a renowned expert in the field, aimed to shed light on the challenges and opportunities surrounding labour rights in Bangladesh. As the participants gathered with anticipation, they were eager to delve into the complexities of this crucial issue that affects millions of workers across the nation.

In session two, Shakil Akhter Chowdhury once again took the stage, this time to enlighten participants about the crucial topic of “Workplace Health & Safety.” With his expertise and passion for the subject, Chowdhury led an engaging and informative session that left a lasting impact on all in attendance.

Here ends the session of day-01. With an informal cultural session and dinner, day-01 of the youth study camp successfully ended.

Among the four groups, one group came up with the recap presentation of the day-01 in the opening of the sessions of day-02. With the presentation every participant had a clear understanding and a good recap of the entire topic they covered in day-01.

In the third session, under the guidance of expert facilitator Nazma Yesmin, the participants eagerly gathered for the enlightening session on “ILO Convention 190: Present Status and Role of Trade Unions.” The session aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the significance of ILO Convention 190 and the pivotal role that trade unions play in promoting workers’ rights and achieving a fair and just work environment.

Nazma Yesmin commenced the session by introducing the participants to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and its mandate to promote social justice and internationally recognized labor rights. She shed light on the historical context leading to the adoption of ILO Convention 190, which specifically addresses violence and harassment in the world of work. Participants were acquainted with the core principles and provisions of the convention, which emphasize the need for preventive measures, protection, and redress against all forms of violence and harassment in the workplace.

Furthermore, she emphasized the crucial role that trade unions play in advocating for workers’ rights, including the implementation of ILO Convention 190. She highlighted the power of collective bargaining and the importance of solidarity among workers in ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against any form of discrimination or violence. Participants were provided with practical examples and case studies that highlighted the positive impact of trade unions in empowering workers and influencing policy reforms.

In the fourth session Khorshed Alam took the stage and the session on “Climate Change: Impact on Labour and Role of Trade Union” brought participants together to explore the intersection between environmental challenges and workers’ rights. This session aimed to deepen their understanding of the far-reaching effects of climate change on the labor force and the vital role that trade unions can play in addressing these issues.

Iqbal Hossain had begun session five by emphasizing the significance of effective communication in personal and professional contexts. He explored various communication styles, active listening techniques, and the importance of clarity, empathy, and non-verbal cues in conveying messages. Through engaging discussions and interactive exercises, participants gained practical insights and tools to improve their communication skills.

In the closing session of the two-day program, esteemed speakers including Nazma Yesmin, Director of BILS; Shakil Akhter Chowdhury, Secretary of BILS; and Iqbal Hossain, Programme Advisor of FES-Bangladesh, delivered their closing speeches. Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, a Project Advisory Committee Member of BILS, chaired the session.

Nazma Yesmin, in her closing speech, expressed her gratitude to all the participants for their active engagement and their commitment to furthering the cause of workers’ rights. She highlighted the importance of the topics covered in the program and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills they gained in their respective fields. Shakil Akhter Chowdhury, in his speech, reflected on the valuable insights shared during the sessions and expressed his appreciation for the dedication and enthusiasm shown by the participants. Iqbal Hossain, in his closing speech, commended the participants for their active participation and their willingness to learn and grow. He emphasized the significance of effective communication and networking in driving positive change. Hossain encouraged participants to stay connected, build strong professional networks, and continue learning and advocating for workers’ rights beyond the program.

Finally, Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, as the chairperson, thanked the speakers, organizers, and participants for their valuable contributions to the program. He acknowledged the importance of the topics covered in the sessions and emphasized the need for sustained efforts in promoting and protecting workers’ rights. Ahmed expressed his hope that the program would serve as a catalyst for continued learning, collaboration, and activism in the field of labor rights.