Year
2025
Reform Domain
Labour
Sub Domain
Industrial Dispute, Resolution and Justice
Source of Reform Proposals
Labour Reform Commission Report
Reform Proposed
Reform Initiated
Legal and Policy Framework
Operationalisation
Action Implementation
Stage of Implementation
Legal and Policy Framework
The Bangladesh Labour Amendment Ordinance, 2025, gazetted on 17 November 2025, included the provision for creating a National Social Dialogue Forum.
Operationalisation
Last Update: 22-Apr-26
Under section 348B of the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026, a legal basis has been provided for the formation of a National Social Dialogue Forum, and under section 348C, a legal basis has been provided for the establishment of a permanent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Authority.
Observation
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In the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026, the legal basis for a National Social Dialogue Forum and a permanent Alternative Dispute Resolution Authority has been included; however, legal recognition alone does not ensure an effective and accountable labour administration system. The effectiveness of these structures will depend on rule-making, institutional design, financing, and transparency of representation. The scope and influence of decisions of the National Social Dialogue Forum, and the independence and practical effectiveness of the ADR Authority, remain unclear.
As provided in the following amendment Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026:
“348B. National Social Dialogue Forum.—A National Social Dialogue Forum may be formed with representatives of the parties to regulate social and labour relations through collective bargaining, to formulate collective agreements, and to ensure their implementation.”
“348C. Alternative Dispute Resolution Authority.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other existing law, an Alternative Dispute Resolution Authority shall be established under this Act for the settlement of individual and collective labour-related disputes, which shall operate on the basis of neutrality and fairness. (2) As Chairperson of the Authority, the Government shall appoint, in the manner prescribed by rules, a retired District Judge or a retired government official experienced in labour rights and international labour standards or a person experienced in the private sector. (3) The Government shall establish the necessary number of offices for the operation of this Authority. (4) There shall be Conciliators and a Panel of Arbitrators to assist the Authority in conducting arbitration. (5) For supervising the activities of this Authority, the Government shall, on the basis of tripartite representation, constitute a Governing Body by notification in the official Gazette. (6) The Governing Body shall appoint Conciliators from the nominated lists of the Department of Labour (DOL) and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), and shall constitute a Panel of Arbitrators; matters relating to the qualifications and skills of Conciliators and Arbitrators shall be prescribed by rules. (7) The criteria and procedure for nomination of members of the Governing Body shall be prescribed by rules, and the formation of the Governing Body shall be published by notification in the official Gazette.”
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