Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
The interim government has so far completed several reform initiatives in the labour sector, and a detailed report on these achievements was released to the media by the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser on Wednesday.
According to the report, the reform measures include improvements in labour rights, amendments to existing laws, and the approval process for International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions. These initiatives have either been implemented or are in progress as of June 15.
Reconstitution of the National Tripartite Consultative Council
In December 2024, the government reconstituted the National Tripartite Consultative Council (NTCC) with the aim of making it more effective and strengthening the representation of both workers and employers.
Since its reformation, the NTCC has convened three times in 2025, and various labour organizations have responded positively to the changes.
Approval process for new ILO conventions
The government has committed to ratifying three significant ILO conventions by September this year. These include Convention 155 on occupational safety and health, Convention 187 on the promotional framework for occupational safety, and Convention 190 on the elimination of violence and harassment in the workplace.
The ratification processes for Conventions 155 and 187 are progressing according to schedule and have not faced major opposition. However, Convention 190 has met with resistance from the employers’ side, making the approval process more complex. Despite this, the government remains committed to implementing the convention.
Amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act (BLA)
In late 2024, the government, in close consultation with the ILO and major trading partners, prepared a draft of a new Labour Act. The revised legislation is expected to be enacted by ordinance by July 2025.
The government believes the amended law will align with international standards concerning worker protection and rights.
Plans to amend EPZ law
Export Processing Zones (EPZs) have long operated under a separate labour regime that provides exemptions from the national labour law.
The government plans to amend this law in two phases. In the first phase, the revised BLA will come into effect in July 2025. In the second phase, the EPZ law will be harmonized with the core protective provisions of the amended BLA.
