Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association has urged the government to address “ambiguities” in the newly passed Labor (Amendment) Bill 2026, warning that unclear provisions could lead to unrest in the country’s readymade garment sector and weaken investor confidence.
While welcoming the passage of the law, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said certain clauses require immediate clarification to ensure stability in the export-oriented industry. He noted that some provisions were included without full consensus from the Tripartite Consultative Committee, reportedly influenced during the previous interim administration.
The association cautioned that legal uncertainties could create confusion at factory level, trigger labor disputes, and negatively impact Bangladesh’s reputation among global buyers amid rising costs and growing international competition.
BKMEA also warned that prolonged ambiguity in the legal framework could discourage both domestic and foreign investment, affecting the country’s ease of doing business.
The trade body called for necessary amendments to the labor rules and the law to establish a stable and production-friendly environment. While supporting the inclusion of worker blacklisting as an unfair labor practice, it stressed the need for a balanced enforcement approach to maintain industrial discipline.
In addition, BKMEA demanded stricter legal action against vandalism, arson, illegal strikes, obstruction of workers, and hostage-taking of factory officials, proposing that such acts be recognized as unfair labor practices due to their direct impact on production.
The association also urged international stakeholders to ensure fair pricing from global buyers, warning that without equitable pricing, the cost of compliance and reforms would continue to burden local manufacturers and workers.
