21/05/2026
๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ก ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ (๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ) ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ, ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ
On 9 April 2026, the Parliament of Bangladesh passed the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote, thereby converting the Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, issued by the interim government into an Act, subject to several amendments and additional provisions. The Bill was tabled in the House by the Minister for Labour and Employment, Mr Ariful Hoque Chowdhury.
The amendment introduces several key reforms to strengthen workersโ rights and align the labour framework with international standards. It simplifies trade union formation by reducing the minimum threshold for application and streamlining registration procedures, while also introducing governance and numerical limits for unions within establishments.
The law clarifies provisions relating to layoff compensation and continuous service, ensuring entitlement to compensation based on defined service periods and last drawn wages. It further strengthens protections against unfair labour practices, including anti-union discrimination and retaliatory actions against workers.
New provisions prohibit workplace discrimination on multiple grounds and formally recognise sexual harassment, making grievance redressal mechanisms mandatory. Worker welfare measures have also been expanded, including increased maternity leave, additional festival holidays, and provisions for participation in provident fund or national pension schemes in larger establishments.
The scope of the law has been broadened to include additional categories such as domestic workers, agricultural workers, and seafarers under specified provisions.
However, certain aspects of the amendment have attracted concern, particularly the exclusion of some employees from the definition of โworkerโ and the potential impact on access to statutory benefits.
The amendment is expected to have significant implications for employers, compliance practices, and industrial relations across key sectors in Bangladesh.
