DHAKA : On the eve of May Day, labour leaders have called for urgent reform in the pay structure, fixing the working hour and some other areas of labour sector.
They proposed creation of a comprehensive worker database particularly for the informal sector, and a balanced approach to technological transition to protect employment.
Talking to BSS, they welcomed the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2026 as a significant step in the country’s labour reform process, while underscored the importance of its effective implementation and further improvement.
President of Bangladesh Garment Sramik Sanghati and former member of the Labour Reform Commission Taslima Akhter said this year’s May Day carries special significance as it marks 140 years of the global labour movement.
“Eight-hour work is recognised in our law, but it is not fully realized in practice,” she said, pointing out that low wages continue to push workers to depend on overtime to survive. This reflects the need for a national minimum wage that ensures a dignified standard of living,” she added.
Akhter said that the easy provision in the law for formation of trade unions could help create a more democratic industrial environment. “When workers can organise freely, they can negotiate and present their demands through dialogue. That reduces conflict and strengthens accountability,” she added.
Welcoming the amended labour law, which was passed on April 09 in the parliament, she described it as “an important progress in the history of labour reforms in Bangladesh”.
She noted that increased festival leave, mandatory safety committees and the provision for protection against workplace harassment and gender-based violence represent meaningful progress.
She said, “The real challenge now it’s implementation. The law must be translated into practice through proper rules and enforcement.”
President of Bangladesh Tannery Workers Union Abul Kalam Azad emphasized that establishing a national minimum wage remains the most urgent priority.
“Our foremost demand is minimum wages for all workers, regardless of sector,” he said adding that the government should form a wage commission and declare a wage structure from which no worker will left behind.”
He also highlighted the importance of making sector-wise wage boards. “Reducing the wage review cycle from five years to three will be a positive step. It reflects the realities of rising living costs,” he said.
On the question of new technological advancement in the labour sector, Azad called for a careful and balanced approach.
“We welcome new technology and industrial development, but it should not come at the cost of jobs,” he said.
“In a labour-abundant country like Bangladesh, employment must remain a priority alongside modernization,” he added.
He expressed optimism about the role of the current government on labour issues, saying, “Workers believe that the commitments made before them will be implemented, especially in improving livelihood and working conditions.”
Executive Director of Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) AKM Ashraf Uddin drew attention to emerging global challenges and structural gaps within the labour market.
“We are heavily dependent on export sectors like garments, textiles and leather, but a large part of the supply chain remains unrecognised and often non-compliant,” he said adding addressing those hidden segments is critical for sustainable growth.”
Ashraf stressed that Bangladesh must align with global standard, particularly in the context of human rights. To ensure decent work diligence mechanism needs to be incorporated into national policies,” he said.
Ashraf also identified the absence of a comprehensive labour database as a major barrier to reform. “Without a proper database, it is not possible to ensure social security or even fully recognise workers. This is especially important for the informal sector, which constitutes a large portion of our workforce,” he added.
Highlighting future risks, he said climate change, energy transition and automation could significantly affect workers if adequate safeguards are not put in place.
“Workers will be vulnerable unless social protection is strengthened and skill gaps are addressed. Investment in skill development and youth workforce readiness is essential,” he said.
Ashraf said, the new labour law is a positive development with a mixed response. Several provisions are encouraging, but there is scope for further refinement, he said.
“We welcome the law, but some areas such as maternity benefit calculations and clarity in certain provisions need closer review and fine-tuning,” he said.
Workers at the grassroots level echoed these concerns while expressing cautious optimism.
A garment worker in Gazipur named Kohinur Akhter said, “If wages are increased and overtime is properly ensured, it will bring real change in our lives. We want stability and fair treatment.”
Nazma Akhter, a domestic help in Dhaka, welcomed the recognition of domestic works in the amended law, but pointed to gaps in implementation.
“We are now recognized as workers, which is certainly good. But we need clear rules about working hours, leave and benefits so that this recognition has real meaning,” she said.
Finally, labour leaders said building trust among workers, employers and the government is crucial for improving industrial relations and boosting productivity.
