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Issues in the Labour Market

The Informal Sector: New Directions for Businesses

Transitions to Formal Employment

Mariam, now 22 years old, dresses up to leave for work with a smile on her face. She is now a formal employee in the factory where she was previously working as a casual worker. She is a machine operator at the factory. Mariam owes a lot to Fatema and her employer for the training they provided. The training developed her and the skills of other entry level female workers. It also built their confidence so that they can be promoted to positions as operators and supervisors. It worked for Mariam.

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What the papers say

Doses Delivered and Schools Reopening

A weekly round up of articles about employment, the labour market, skills training and workforce development. This week’s round up is drawn from The Daily Star. Here is the news for the week ending 28th January 2021.

Schools might open as early as 4 February, although many students will start with in-person classes once in a week. Photo by Ahmed Hasan on Unsplash.

This Week in the Bangladesh English News…

…The first Covid-19 vaccinations were delivered, and schools are making plans to reopen. The government is considering major investments in multiple skills-based education initiatives. There’s the latest data on the expected GDP growth rate and the present poverty rate. And one analysis attempts to answer, “How many garment jobs have been lost?”

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What the papers say

Is Bangladesh ready?

A weekly round up of articles about employment, the labour market, skills training and workforce development. This week’s round up is drawn from The Daily Star. Here is the news for the week ending 10th December 2020.

This Week in the Bangladesh English News

…when are Covid-19 vaccinations coming? Why is a strike stopping many routine vaccinations? There are loans to boost micro businesses; a novel incentive program to encourage tax compliance; as well as a insight into why manufacturers are not maximizing production of high-end garments.

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What the papers say

Workplace Safety Loans

A weekly round up of articles about employment, the labour market, skills training and workforce development. This week’s round up is drawn from The Daily Star. Here is the news for the week ending 26th November 2020.

This Week in the Bangladesh English News…

…the central bank allocated funds for garment workplace safety as Covid-19 spread continues. The ILO expressed concerns about long-term unemployment for women in the garment industry. A report on global tax abuse estimates how much tax revenue Bangladesh loses. And officials said more land is needed for crop cultivation.

Categories
Issues in the Labour Market

Covid Crisis: Export Industries and Workers

Photo by Fahad Faisal / Original used under CC BY-SA 4.0

In recent years, there has been greater attention and movement towards improving working conditions and worker safety in Bangladesh. However, the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic has introduced a new set of challenges for both employers and employees.

To better understand this issue, Quay Asia has set out to do extensive analysis of the challenges and successes in the export-oriented industries during this unprecedented time. In a series of three articles, we will trace events from the starting point to the present day focusing on the health and safety of workers in the ready-made garment industry.

This series is primarily for the benefit of policy makers and administrators in the private sector. The goal is to inspire better practices to protect workers, avoid sudden disaster and ensure long-term sustainability of businesses.

Categories
What the papers say

Human Capital Potential

A weekly round up of articles about employment, the labour market, skills training and workforce development. This week’s round up is drawn from The Daily Star. Here is the news for the week ending 24th September 2020.

This Week in the Bangladesh English News…

…we hear about the factors in unlocking a child’s potential. Grants give some marginalized people the ability to invest in small business. And Bangladesh nets more hilsa – but how will the fish be stored?

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What the papers say

Social Safety Net

A weekly round up of articles about employment, the labour market, skills training and workforce development. This week’s round up is drawn from The Daily Star. Here is the news for the week ending 3rd September 2020.

This Week in the Bangladesh English News…

…women in formal workplaces often face sexual harassment with no recourse. Remittances are soaring. And the launch of a pilot program using mobile phones to provide a social safety net.

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What the papers say

The Largest Yet

A weekly round up of articles about employment, the labour market, skills training and workforce development. This week’s round up is drawn from The Daily Star and The Financial Express. Here is the news for the week ending 18 June 2020.

This Week in the Bangladesh English News…

…excitement and disappoint about the proposed budget. The future of education was revealed, and is the future of cash aid MFS? Plus, some seasonal farmers showed signs of success.

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What the papers say

Jute Rejuvenated

A weekly round up of articles about employment, the labor market, skills training and workforce development. This week’s round up is drawn from The Daily Star. Here is the news for the week ending 15 March 2018.

This week in the Bangladesh English Press…

…we hear about seminars and dialogues on career and employment. A fair was organized by the jute and textiles ministry. Export earnings from garments have seen an increase. UNICEF is said to provide financial assistance to Bangladesh for its child-related activities. We also hear about a study published by Business Finance for Poor in Bangladesh (BFP-B) project on growth of small enterprises. A new farming initiative helps improving nutrition for families living on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

Categories
What the papers say

Women and Machines

A weekly round up of articles about employment, the labor market, skills training and workforce development. This week’s round up is drawn from The Daily Star. Here is the news for the week ending 8 March 2018.

This week in the Bangladesh English Press…

… business ties between Vietnam and Bangladesh grow through investment and trade. A study suggests women garments workers are losing out to machines. And retired jute workers struggle for their retirement benefits.