The transformation of the Bangladesh labour inspectorate has taken a major step forward with the launch of a digitalized Labour Inspection Management Application (LIMA) system. The application was officially launched on 6th March at hotel Amari in Dhaka.
The development of LIMA has been supported by the International Labour Organization and funded by Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. LIMA will improve the collection, storage, and analysis of labour inspection data, benefiting workers and employers in all industrial sectors. The apps will make Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) of Bangladesh government more capable and equipped to manage and control the industries.
“LIMA is a milestone in the march towards digital Bangladesh and testament to the commitment of the government to ensure that every workplace is a safe workplace and that the rights of workers are respected,” said Md Mujibul Haque, Minister of Labour and Employment.
Mojibul urged the buyers and brands for increasing product price because industry owners are doing huge investment for compliance arena.
LIMA will make our operations more effective and thereby help to enhance the welfare and safety of working people and also improve the productivity of industries, said Md. Shamsuzzaman Bhuiyan, Inspector General, DIFE.
“LIMA system is much more than inspectors, simply using a tablet computer instead of a pen and paper. It represents the progress made in the reform of the labour inspectorate and the commitment of DIFE’s leadership to digitalization and transparency,” said Mr. Snehal Soneji, Officer in Charge, ILO Bangladesh.
During the launching program, 250 android tablets were handed over to the DIFE to be used during inspections. Industry representatives, workers organizations and development partners were also present at the event.
Additionally, LIMA features a ‘DIFE Complaint Box’ that allows workers or employers to make a complaint to DIFE about workplace issues. This can be done either through the LIMA website.
