By Taskina Yeasmin (Dhaka Bureau),
The billboard and outdoor advertising industry in Bangladesh is expanding rapidly over time. Alongside traditional manual billboards, the proliferation of modern digital display boards has added a new dimension to urban aesthetics, contributing significantly to both city beautification and government revenues. However, due to the lack of a specific national advertising policy, unplanned and sub-standard installation of billboards is not only hampering city aesthetics but also increasing health, safety, and workplace accident risks for workers and technical staff associated with the sector.
Taking the overall situation into account, the Bangladesh Billboard Advertising Owners Association (BBAOA) has taken a major institutional initiative to ensure the health and safety of personnel working in the billboard and outdoor advertising sector, reduce accidents, and achieve sustainable development for the industry.
On Thursday, October 15, a day-long specialized awareness workshop titled ‘Safety & Security Awareness Program’ was organized at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) Auditorium in Motijheel, Dhaka, under the theme ‘Safe Workplace, Healthy Workforce- Safe Outdoor Advertising Industry.’
Held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the workshop featured practical discussions and expert presentations on billboard installation and maintenance, working at heights, structural safety, electrical risk management, fire safety, accident prevention, and relevant legal codes and regulations.
The event was attended as Chief Guest by Md. Fazlul Hoque, a prominent entrepreneur in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector, former President of BKMEA, Managing Director of Plummy Fashions Limited (a leading eco-friendly apparel manufacturer), and Administrator of FBCCI. Mohammad Motiur Rahman, Joint Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, was present as the Special Guest.
A view of participants at a day-long workshop held at the auditorium of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). Photo courtesy of BBAOA.
Delivering the keynote address, BBAOA President Mohammad Mizanur Rahman stated that ensuring the safety of laborers, technical staff, and personnel in the billboard and outdoor advertising industry is not merely an institutional duty, but a significant social and moral responsibility. He emphasized the necessity of institutional awareness and coordinated efforts to transform the sector into a safe, disciplined, and responsible industry.
Expert sessions and technical guidance were presented by representatives from the FBCCI Safety Council, structural design and architectural experts, BBAOA legal advisors, officials from the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, Fire Service and Civil Defence, City Corporations, and relevant departments of Bangladesh Railway. Experts also shared insights on traffic management, structural durability, and legal obligations.
Moderated by the association’s General Secretary, Kazi Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, executive committee leaders of BBAOA also addressed the gathering. The speakers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of owners and workers at all levels and creating a healthy, sustainable outdoor advertising industry.
Businesspersons and industry representatives from across Bangladesh participated in the program. Following the day-long training session, certificates were distributed to the participating member organizations on behalf of the association. Furthermore, the BBAOA leadership called upon all billboard owners nationwide to maintain heightened awareness and responsibility regarding workplace safety and labor protection.
Taskina Yeasmin: Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.