Govt okays major labour law reforms

Bangladesh amended its labor regulations on Thursday to expand worker protections and streamline union formation. The Council of Advisers endorsed 90 changes to the labor code at a session led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Law Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul said the revisions address International Labour Organization concerns and incorporate expert committee guidance. Domestic employees, sailors, and nonprofit sector staff gained coverage under the updated framework.

The reforms prohibit employer blacklisting practices that previously blocked workers from securing new positions. Enhanced safeguards against workplace harassment and improved benefits for expectant mothers appear in the revised statute. Nazrul said union registration procedures became simpler and gender-based disparities were elimination under the new terms.

Authorities plan to establish an accident compensation fund for injured employees. The tripartite committee held five sessions and three workshops before finalizing recommendations. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam joined Nazrul at the Foreign Service Academy briefing. The changes strengthen alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for labor conflicts.