Labour Archives | Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh

The state will take appropriate measures to eliminate child labour, adolescent labour, and forced labour. Effective actions will be taken to close all forms of forced labour, including through advance bonding and other methods

To ensure the right to protection from all forms of harassment and violence, including sexual harassment, the state will take special measures. In accordance with the 2009 High Court directive, all factories and institutions will be required to adopt policies against sexual harassment and violence. It is also essential to establish complaint cells and dispute resolution committees. The state will endorse ILO Convention 190.

To establish a culture of dignified work environments, the state will stop the use of derogatory, power-centric language based on class, gender, race, and ethnicity. The term “women” will be replaced by “female” in the labour laws. The use of informal address such as “tui-tumi” in workplaces will be stopped. The use of Bangla will be promoted in all judicial bodies, from Labour Appeal Tribunals to the High Court and Appellate Division.

The state will take measures to ensure equal rights in all areas of the labour sector, including wages, trade unions, decision-making processes, and other aspects of gender, race, religion, caste, and group. The safety and employment of indigenous and multi-ethnic workers in the mountains and plains will be ensured.

To ensure a harmonious and integrated working environment, the state will promote responsible behaviour by all stakeholders— workers, employers, and others—and will establish an effective framework and process for dialogue.

To ensure workers receive fair justice, the state will increase the number of labour courts, expedite case resolutions, and take action to prevent unnecessary harassment. Necessary measures will be taken to address violations of legal rights, and frameworks will be established. In disputes and activities related to securing legal entitlements, the state will avoid the use of criminal measures and force. Any criminal cases filed against trade union workers or employees for participating in labour movements should be swiftly reviewed and annulled.

It is necessary to form a Permanent labour Commission as a statutory body in order to ensure an accountable labour administration system. As a preliminary step to form a Permanent labour Commission, immediately take initiatives to form a ‘National Social Dialogue Forum’ under the initiative of the Ministry of labour.

Implement necessary state reforms in all government institutions (Department of labour, Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, labour Welfare Center, Industrial Relations Institute (IRI), National Skill Development Authority and other government and non-government organizations) in order to strengthen the capacity and coordination of the Ministry of labour , departments and institutions, as well as to establish accountability, democratic practices, transparency and the right to information.

The state will ensure the participation of both male and female workers, and their representatives, in the formulation of labour-related policies, annual budgets, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- 2030. The government will also ensure the representation of organised workers in all representative institutions/forums, including the National Parliament.

The state will take initiative to protect labour history and historical sites, and will establish memorials and museums to commemorate these. Textbooks, curricula, educational courses, and media will highlight the dignity, safety, and life experiences of workers in a respectful manner.

Total Reforms Being Tracked

23

11

Reform Proposed

The reform idea or commitment is publicly articulated.

01

Reform Initiated

Preliminary steps are taken (e.g., circulars or notices by relevant...

11

Legal and Policy Framework

The reform is codified in policy, law, or regulation.

00

Operationalisation

Institutional or administrative mechanisms are established for the reform delivery.

00

Action Implementation

Tangible actions showing visible progress or outcomes are taken.