Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), in collaboration with the ILO, Country Office for Bangladesh and NASCIB, Sylhet organized a 3 day-long “Training on Formalize Your Business for Informal Enterprises” during 20-22 May 2025 at Conference Hall, Hotel Valley Garden, Sylhet Tower, Subhani Ghat, Bishwa Road, Sylhet. The overall objectives of the training were to promote formalization and enhance participants’ understanding of the benefits, processes, and challenges of business formalization. In addition to equip informal entrepreneurs with the knowledge and practical steps to formalize their businesses.

Mr. Joha Jamilur Rahman, Certified FYB trainer, ILO and Head of Training, BEF facilitated the training program as resource person. He facilitated the session by outlining the training objectives and expected outcomes, employing participatory methods to engage attendees throughout the training session.

Mr. Alimul Ahsan Chowdhury, President, NASCIB Sylhet district, chaired the inaugural session and extended a warm welcome to the attendees at the inaugural session of the program. Mr. Ruman Ishtiak, Project officer, ILO country office for Dhaka attended as guest of honor and provided speech about ILO’s views on formalization. He encouraged participants to pay more attention into this training session. Md. Abdul Latif, Vice-President, Sylhet zone Industrialist and Business Welfare Foundation (IBWF) provided insights into the current state of informal business in Sylhet. Owners/managers of Cottages, Micro and Small informal enterprises and also aspiring entrepreneurs operating in informal settings from Sylhet region actively participated in the discussions, sharing their insights and perspectives.

A total of 25 participants (Female-06, Male-19) from priority sectors including Agriculture, Tourism, ICT, platform-based entrepreneurs attended the training program. This collaborative effort highlighted the importance of promoting formalization in Bangladesh.