Dhaka: The Tripartite Law Reform Committee (TLRC), tasked with revising the Labour Law of 2006, has successfully reached a consensus on 79 out of 101 proposed amendments, leaving 22 recommendations still to be resolved. This update was disclosed during a meeting with the technical legal team of the International Labour Organization (ILO) at the Labour Building in Bijoynagar, chaired by Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, AHM Shafiquzzaman.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the 82nd TLRC meeting focused on reviewing the 22 unresolved proposals. Secretary Shafiquzzaman announced that representatives from the government, employers, and workers would convene in the first week of February to finalize decisions on these outstanding recommendations. Mohammad Hatem, representing employers, indicated that efforts are underway to amend the labour law by March, ahead of the next ILO conference. He noted that employers have provided written feedback on all 101 recommendations, and the government will make the final decisions on contentious issues.
Hatem highlighted ongoing disagreements over the definitions of workers, trade union rights, and welfare fund formations but expressed optimism that consensus could be achieved through further discussions. Sakil Akhter Chowdhury, representing labour interests and a member of the Labour Reform Commission, stated that both workers’ representatives and employers have submitted feedback on the proposed amendments. He mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the only government body to have delivered a complete written response.
Prior to the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC) meeting, top labour forums will conduct final discussions on all proposals to consolidate their positions.