Year
2025
Reform Domain
Labour
Sub Domain
Child labour, Adolescent labour and Forced labour
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
Last Update: 02-May-26
Several legal amendments were introduced in the Bangladesh Labour Amendment Ordinance, 2025 in view of this proposal. Some key changes are reflected in the Ordinance. In accordance with the ILO Minimum Age Convention, the law specifies the age for entry to work. The provision on forced labour was also incorporated in line with ratified ILO conventions. Penalties relating to child labour were increased, and the provision on forced labour was incorporated into the law. This provision was incorporated with further elaboration in the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026. In the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026, a definition of forced or compulsory labour has been provided in section 2(12A), and section 345C prohibits engaging a person in forced labour or assisting in such engagement. At the same time, penalties relating to child labour have also been increased.
Observation
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The full implementation in the spirit of this reform proposal is challenging. It requires greater political will and strict execution from the executive branch. For example, there is a need to revise the checklist of Labour Inspectors to ensure that the forced labour issue is included. Labour inspectors are active only in selected formal sectors. As a supportive policy measure, attention should be given to employment generation and proper wages that meet basic needs of the families so they do not resort to child labour.
Resources