The government has amended key sections of the labour law, easing the process of forming trade unions and expanding workers’ rights across several sectors.
Under the new rules, unions can now be formed in factories with 20 to 300 workers if at least 20 employees support the initiative.
A gazette issued by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on 17 November confirmed the amendments, which also introduce new obligations for workplace health, safety and maternity protections. The definition of “worker” has been expanded to include domestic workers, and those in fisheries, livestock and horticulture.
The changes follow continued pressure from the International Labour Organization (ILO), European Union (EU) and the United States to align labour standards with global norms — seen as critical for retaining trade benefits, particularly duty-free access to EU markets.
Under the revised Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, the minimum number of workers required to form unions will vary by workforce size:
40 workers for factories with 301-500 employees,
100 workers where staff totals 501-1,500,
300 workers where the workforce is 1,501-3,000, and
400 workers for factories employing more than 3,000.
However, factory owners and industry groups have raised objections. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan criticised the new provisions related to worker definitions, provident funds and union registration, alleging that the amendments were made without following established tripartite consultations.
The reforms also bolster protections for pregnant and lactating workers. While the existing 16 weeks of maternity leave remains unchanged, employers are now legally required to reassign affected workers to safe duties with full wages and maintain medical records. Exposure to toxic chemicals, radiation, excessive heat, heavy labour, infection risks or full-body vibration is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, the amended law bans the blacklisting of workers. No employer may create or maintain any database marking former employees as “ineligible” for future employment due to dismissal, retirement or any other reason.
The government says the changes will strengthen workers’ rights and help ensure Bangladesh remains competitive in international markets, while factory owners warn the provisions may disrupt workplace stability if not implemented carefully.