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Bangladesh will amend its labour law by November, introducing tougher penalties for child labour, said labour and employment adviser Brigadier General (retired) M Sakhawat Hossain on Wednesday.

‘The amendment process is underway and we aim to finalise it within the next two to three months — by November at the latest. Besides, penalties related to child labour will be increased several-fold in the draft law,’ he said.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters at a press briefing marking World Day Against Child Labour.

‘There are about 35 lakh child labourers in Bangladesh, according to the current definition, with 10 lakh engaged in hazardous work. We are examining ways to reduce this number and also reconsidering the definition itself,’ Sakhawat Hossain said.

The adviser also raised questions about cultural and practical scenarios that complicate enforcement, such as children assisting parents in fishing or working as apprentices. ‘Some children go fishing with their fathers and still attend school. Others are sent by families to learn trades and later become mechanics themselves. These situations are complex.’

He urged people not to force children into work as it is a punishable offence.  ’However, if children voluntarily take part in light activities outside school hours, we might view that differently,’ said Sakhawat.

Drawing attention to the International Labour Organisation’s earlier suggestions to amend various sections of the labour law, the adviser said that the government was actively working on the issue. ‘While we haven’t had recent discussions with the ILO, they are aware of our ongoing efforts,’ he said.

‘The draft of the child labour section has already been prepared, with higher financial penalties proposed,’ he said.

Speaking about his recent participation in the 11th ILO Conference in Switzerland, Sakhawat said that the government, along with workers’ and employers’ representatives, spoke in unison in favour of worker-friendly labour law reforms. ‘That unity was Bangladesh’s biggest achievement at the conference,’ he noted.

He also said he held discussions with several senior ILO officials who expressed satisfaction over Bangladesh’s progress. ‘We must complete these reforms before our next engagement with the ILO,’ he added.

Bangladesh has also, for the first time, taken over the role of coordinator of the Asia-Pacific Group (ASPAG) within the ILO, Sakhawat said.

World Day Against Child Labour in Bangladesh will be observed across the country today.

Although globally observed on June 12, Bangladesh will mark World Day Against Child Labour on June 19 this year due to a public holiday earlier in the month.

This year’s theme is: ‘Let’s take flight on the wings of dreams, breaking the chains of child labour - move forward with vibrant steps, igniting the fire of hope in the heart.’