BANGLADESH鈥橲 development journey today stands at a critical turning point 鈥� one in which reform, accountability and justice increasingly dominate the national discourse. Yet the greatest obstacle to this long pursuit of reform is not a lack of legislation; rather, the core of our problem lies in an excess of laws and a chronic deficiency in their enforcement. We have enacted numerous laws 鈥� pertaining to the economy, labour, administration and even citizen rights 鈥� but their effective implementation remains far from satisfactory. As a result, laws often exist only on paper, not in practice. Their language survives, but their lifeblood 鈥� enforcement 鈥� is absent.
In reality, a nation鈥檚 legal system is strengthened not by the sheer number of laws but by the quality of their application. A country does not advance in the rule of law simply by enacting hundreds of statutes; it progresses when its laws are just, realistic, and impartially enforced. Unfortunately, several key legislative frameworks 鈥� especially those relating to crime, labour, rights, and governance 鈥� contain loopholes and questionable provisions that erode public trust and complicate the path to justice. In this context, mere legislation or amendment is insufficient; what is essential is proper enforcement, effective oversight, and, above all, unwavering political will. A law becomes meaningful only when it touches people鈥檚 lives at the grassroots, prevents injustice, and upholds fairness.
The recent Bangladesh Labour Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 has brought longstanding, unresolved labour issues back to the centre of national debate. It marks a watershed moment in Bangladesh鈥檚 labour history. This ordinance is not simply a legal amendment 鈥� it represents a shift in perspective, a determined step towards reshaping the relationship between the state, workers, and employers into a more humane, just, and internationally compliant framework. The new law introduces 184 significant changes, reflecting an ambitious and wide-ranging reform agenda. These reforms are not merely administrative; embedded within them are new definitions of dignity, protection and fairness for the working class.
For decades, some major groups of workers 鈥� particularly domestic workers, seafarers and employees of non-governmental organisations 鈥� remained outside the protective umbrella of labour law. For the first time, the amended law brings them into the legal fold, granting formal recognition and essential safeguards. This marks a milestone in the labour jurisprudence of Bangladesh.
Domestic workers have long remained an invisible workforce 鈥� unorganised, unprotected, and frequently subject to abuse. The new law acknowledges their labour, recognises their dignity, and brings all forms of injustice against them under legal scrutiny. Likewise, the occupational risks, safety standards, and international working conditions of seafarers have been strengthened. NGO employees 鈥� comprising hundreds of thousands of workers鈥攚ill now also come under labour protections, creating a new foundation of justice within this critical sector. Thus, the ordinance not only modernises the labour structure but expands the scope of state responsibility. Bangladesh now stands at a point where working people will no longer be viewed as an 鈥渋nvisible force鈥� but as central stakeholders whose rights and dignity must be protected.
The new amendments have dismantled practices that, for years, acted as invisible chains around workers鈥� lives. Chief among them was the notorious practice of blacklisting. Previously, if a worker raised complaints regarding injustice, discrimination, or unpaid wages, many employers would not only terminate their employment but also block their opportunities to find work elsewhere. Blacklisting functioned as a silent mechanism of retaliation 鈥� one that workers had no means to resist. The amended law declares this unethical practice a punishable offence, granting legal recognition and protection to the worker鈥檚 voice.
Additionally, the law introduces strict penalties for sexual harassment in the workplace 鈥� an essential safeguard for women workers. Although women鈥檚 participation in the labour market continues to rise, many still work under conditions of intimidation and humiliation. The new law provides a tangible pathway to justice, ensuring that victims are entitled not only to lodge complaints but also to receive state protection. Provisions for maternity benefits have been expanded, offering financial and emotional security during a crucial phase of a woman鈥檚 life. Gender-based wage discrimination has been expressly prohibited 鈥� signifying not only economic reform but a profound social transformation by affirming women as equal contributors in the workplace. Furthermore, a dedicated compensation and rehabilitation fund has been established for workers injured or disabled in workplace accidents, ensuring that neither they nor their families fall into financial hardship. This fund is not merely humanitarian support 鈥� it symbolises respect for the dignity of labour.
A major reform concerns the introduction of mandatory participation in provident funds or universal pension schemes for workers in the private sector. This initiative will secure long-term financial stability and post-retirement well-being for millions of workers. Another significant step is the simplification of the process for forming trade unions. Under the new rules, even small factories with only twenty workers will be able to form a union 鈥� strengthening workers鈥� ability to organise and assert their rights. Earlier, the interim government ratified three key ILO conventions related to occupational safety, health, and freedom from workplace violence. Consequently, Bangladesh has become the only country in South Asia to have ratified all ten fundamental ILO conventions. These collective efforts reflect a strong national commitment to aligning labour policy with international standards.
If properly implemented, these reforms will make workplaces more just, humane, and safe 鈥� ensuring long-term security and dignity for workers. Yet the real test begins after the legislation is passed: implementation. Here lies the greatest challenge. Bangladesh has so far travelled only halfway. There is no room for complacency. For decades, especially in labour-intensive industries, workers have often remained vulnerable 鈥� facing unsafe working conditions, delayed or withheld wages, and the absence of meaningful remedies even after filing complaints. This reality underscores the critical need for robust enforcement, strict monitoring, and a responsive grievance mechanism.
Regrettably, even during the interim government, the plight of workers did not fully improve 鈥� despite the fact that workers themselves were one of the strongest driving forces behind the labour reform movement. This stands as a cautionary reminder: the historic ordinance now in place could still fail if the government, labour administration, employers, and political actors are not genuinely committed to its rigorous implementation. Laws and policies cannot remain mere texts; only consistent enforcement, regular oversight, and a responsible administrative culture can ensure that workers truly obtain their rights and protection.
The vision of a new Bangladesh is centred on a working class that is not only industrious but also respected, secure, and empowered. Their lives must be governed by safety, fairness, and dignity. Their voices must resonate not with fear or uncertainty, but with confidence, rights, and self-respect. A workforce that is protected and empowered forms the foundation of a prosperous, just and resilient nation.
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Dr Jahangir Alam Sarker is a lawyer and researcher.
