Dhaka: Since assuming office a year ago, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has undertaken various initiatives, including the formation of a Labour Rights Reform Commission, the reformation of the National Tripartite Consultative Council (NTCC), and the initiation of amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, data from the Labour and Employment Ministry highlights a focus on addressing workers’ rights, safety, and fair wages.
The interim government formed a 10-member Labour Reform Commission on November 17, 2024, with Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), as the chief, to ensure proper reforms in the sector. The commission was established to evaluate and propose reforms to enhance labour rights and safety.
On April 22, the commission handed over its report to Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna. The report suggested the formulation of a permanent Labour Commission as a statutory body to ensure an accountable labour administration system. As an initial step, the Labour Ministry will create a ‘National Social Dialogue Forum’.
The report recommended that the government should take effective steps to reduce unemployment and generate employment opportunities both at home and abroad. To face the challenges of automation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the government is advised to prepare roadmaps for creating a skilled population. Additionally, the report emphasized the need to create a productive youth labor force and entrepreneurs.
Regarding social security for workers, the commission urged the government to ensure universal social security for all workers. The National Tripartite Consultative Council (NTCC) was reformed in December 2024 to enhance its effectiveness and representation for both workers and employers. The reform aimed to strengthen the council’s role in labour sector reforms and promote better dialogue between the government, employers, and workers.
The NTCC involves representatives from the government, employers, and workers, ensuring diverse perspectives in labour-related decision-making, according to the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation. The reform is part of a broader effort to modernize the labour sector in Bangladesh, including initiatives such as labour law reform and enhanced labour inspection.
Since its reformation, the NTCC has convened three times in 2025, and various labour organizations have responded positively. The government has committed to ratifying three significant ILO conventions by September: Convention 155, Convention 187, and Convention 190. The ratification processes are progressing according to schedule and remain on track.
In late 2024, a draft of a new Labour Act was prepared, expected to be enacted by July 2025. The amended law aims to align with international standards concerning worker protection and rights. Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Bangladesh have long operated under a separate labour regime. The government plans to amend this in two phases, harmonizing EPZ laws with the amended Bangladesh Labour Act.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment presented the Green Factory Award 2025 to 30 factories in recognition of their commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. The awards highlighted companies from sectors such as garments, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
During the International Labour Organization (ILO) session in Geneva, Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hussain noted the interim government’s commitment to sustainable labour reforms. The government has dismissed politically motivated cases against workers, ensuring democratic representation in tripartite committees.
The adviser mentioned that a consensus was reached on several key amendments to the Labour Law, and discussions are ongoing regarding amendments to the EPZ Labor Law. Additionally, 50 percent of factory inspections are conducted unannounced, and vacancies in labor inspector positions are being addressed.
The international community has responded positively to Bangladesh’s labor reforms, with support from various countries and development partners. No investigation was called for against Bangladesh during the ILO session, and a decision was made to postpone the next hearing on the ongoing complaint to March 2026.
Sakhawat Hussain expressed appreciation for the international community’s support and invited delegations to observe the government’s labor sector reforms firsthand. The interim government aims to bring Bangladesh’s labor laws in compliance with ILO standards, focusing on creating a just and equitable labor market.
Efforts are underway to enhance the capacity of the Department of Labour (DoL) and relevant bodies to implement labor laws effectively. Amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act are expected to be completed by October, with the government committed to improving it to international standards.