To ensure the right to protection from all forms of harassment and violence, including sexual harassment, the state will take special measures. In accordance with the 2009 High Court directive, all factories and institutions will be required to adopt policies against sexual harassment and violence. It is also essential to establish complaint cells and dispute resolution committees. The state will endorse ILO Convention 190.

Year
2025
Reform Domain
Labour Labour
Sub Domain
Equality, Non-Discrimination and Inclusion
Source of Reform Proposals
Labour Reform Commission Report
Reform Proposed
Reform Proposed
Reform Initiated
Reform Initiated
Legal and Policy Framework
Legal and Policy Framework
Operationalisation
Operationalisation
Action Implementation
Action Implementation
Stage of Implementation
Reform Proposed
Reform Proposed
Last Update: 02-May-26
This reform proposal, articulated from the Labour Reform Commission report, has been officially initiated.
Reform Initiated
Reform Initiated
Last Update: 02-May-26
On 23 October 2025, the interim government approved the draft Bangladesh Labour Act (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, aimed at expanding worker protections, strengthening gender equality and aligning national labour standards with ILO obligations. Following the approval, the draft was expected to be sent to the President for promulgation as an ordinance.
Legal and Policy Framework
Legal and Policy Framework
Last Update: 02-May-26
The Bangladesh Labour Amendment Ordinance, 2025, introduced provisions on non-discrimination and protection against gender-based violence and harassment. This provision was incorporated with further elaboration in the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026. The ILO Convention 190 has been ratified, and the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026 includes provisions relating to gender-based violence and harassment, sexual harassment, violence and harassment, workplace policy, and complaints committees.
Observation
    Enforcement will require a strong implementation plan (including awareness building) and monitoring.
Resources
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Related Reforms

The state will take appropriate measures to eliminate child labour, adolescent labour, and forced labour. Effective actions will be taken to close all forms of forced labour, including through advance bonding and other methods
Legal and Policy Framework
To establish a culture of dignified work environments, the state will stop the use of derogatory, power-centric language based on class, gender, race, and ethnicity. The term “women” will be replaced by “female” in the labour laws. The use of informal address such as “tui-tumi” in workplaces will be stopped. The use of Bangla will be promoted in all judicial bodies, from Labour Appeal Tribunals to the High Court and Appellate Division.
Legal and Policy Framework
The state will take measures to ensure equal rights in all areas of the labour sector, including wages, trade unions, decision-making processes, and other aspects of gender, race, religion, caste, and group. The safety and employment of indigenous and multi-ethnic workers in the mountains and plans will be ensured.
Legal and Policy Framework
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Glossary

Last Updated: 14th December 2025

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