Bangladesh has pledged to amend its labor laws by March 2025 to meet international standards and address an 18-point demand by workers. This commitment, made during the recent International Labour Organization (ILO) session in Geneva, focuses on improving workers’ rights, including easing trade union requirements and reviewing annual wage increments. Most demands have already been met, except for law amendments and wage review issues.
A tripartite committee is now working on proposed changes, which may simplify trade union formation and documentation processes. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul also committed to halting blacklisting of workers and addressing cases against workers involved in wage protests. The Minimum Wage Board has recommended strict enforcement of wage structures to prevent future unrest.
International bodies like the EU, ILO, and global retailers urge Bangladesh to create a uniform labor law covering all workers, including those in Export Processing Zones, where trade unions are currently restricted. However, foreign investors in EPZs oppose unionization, complicating the push for consistent labor protections across sectors.
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