The interim government in Bangladesh has passed the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which is set to be approved by the government and presented to parliament soon. Mahdi Amin, the prime minister’s adviser on labour and employment, announced during the 356th Governing Body session of the International Labour Organisation in Geneva that efforts will be made to expedite the enactment of the ordinance.
Amin’s speech highlighted Bangladesh’s advancements in aligning its labour rights with global standards. The amendments outlined in the ordinance mark a significant stride towards promoting decent work practices in the country. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding human rights, Amin mentioned that the amendments aim to fulfill the electoral promises of the ruling party.
Key changes introduced by the amendment include expanding the coverage of the Labour Act to encompass workers previously excluded from freedom of association and collective bargaining rights. The revised law reduces the minimum membership requirement for trade union registration, simplifies documentation processes, and strengthens confidentiality measures. It eliminates penalties for unregistered union activities, increases the allowable number of unions in a factory, and prohibits the blacklisting of workers.
Moreover, the amendments introduce provisions for unannounced inspections, impose stricter penalties for violations such as anti-union discrimination, child labor, and gender-based violence, and criminalize forced labor and worker blacklisting. The amendments also enhance social dialogue by recognizing national-level trade union confederations and establishing a National Social Dialogue Forum.
The government is also working on reviewing the Bangladesh Labour Rules to align them with the amended Labour Act. Additionally, efforts are underway to revise the EPZ Labour Act in alignment with the amended law. Bangladesh has increased the workforce in the labor inspection department and implemented a digitalized labor inspection system to enhance efficiency and compliance.
Furthermore, the country has operationalized new labor courts, reduced case backlogs, settled criminal cases against labor leaders, and ratified multiple ILO Conventions, solidifying its commitment to international labor standards. Amin requested the ILO Governing Body to acknowledge the progress made under the roadmap and close the case related to alleged non-compliance with ILO Conventions 81, 87, and 98.
Overall, the government’s proactive measures and reforms in the labor sector demonstrate a concerted effort to uphold labor rights and enhance working conditions in Bangladesh.