DHAKA — North South University (NSU) is set to bridge a critical gap in industrial safety through the development of a new comprehensive certificate course in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).
The initiative was the focus of a high-level consultation held on May 4, 2026, at the university’s Syndicate Hall.
The project, spearheaded by NSU’s EHS+ Center in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), aims to equip graduate engineers, architects, and industry professionals with the technical expertise needed to manage modern workplace hazards.
Broad Institutional Support
The programme drew a high-profile audience, including Mr. Arif Ahmed Khan, Additional Inspector General of DIFE, and Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor of NSU. Both emphasized that workplace safety is no longer optional but a cornerstone of sustainable industrial growth.
A powerful coalition of international and local partners attended to offer their expertise, including:
Global Donors: Embassies and representatives from the Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, the EU, and the UK.
Labor & Industry: The Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF), BKMEA, Epyllion Group, and major trade unions.
Academic Leaders: Faculty from BUET, BRAC University, and MIST.
A Modern Curriculum for a Safer Tomorrow
Representing the ILO, Mr. Neeran Ramjuthan highlighted the university's role in implementing the Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh project. This broader initiative is backed by the Team Europe Initiative along with Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada.
The technical heart of the event featured a presentation by Dr. Mahmud A. Shareef and Mr. Shariar Iqbal Raj, who detailed a curriculum designed to move beyond basic safety and address complex, contemporary OSH challenges.
Industry Feedback
The consultation concluded with an interactive session where stakeholders suggested key enhancements to the course. Recommendations focused on:
Integrating modules on occupational diseases.
Expanding the duration of training for deeper professional impact.
Ensuring transparency and inclusivity in how the course is delivered to the public.
By finalizing this curriculum, NSU and its partners are establishing a new benchmark for safety education, directly supporting Bangladesh's commitment to international labor standards.