Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2026 introduces major reforms to strengthen workers’ rights, with UNI Global Union welcoming easier trade union formation and alignment with international standards.
New provisions against anti-union discrimination, blacklisting, forced labour and sexual harassment, reinforcing protections in line with ILO Convention No. 190 and promoting safer workplaces.
The law creates a Workplace Accident Compensation Fund and Alternative Dispute Resolution Authority, marking a significant step forward for labour rights and collective worker protection in Bangladesh.
UNI Global Union welcomes amendments to the labour law in Bangladesh that brings in wide-ranging reforms and strengthen workers’ rights in line with international standards.
The Bangladesh Parliament passed the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on 9 April. Among the most significant changes is a thorough reform of trade union rules. The old requirement that 20 per cent of a company’s total workforce must support forming a union has been replaced. Small businesses with up to 300 workers can now form a trade union with just 20 members, while medium-sized firms need at least 40 members and large enterprises of more than 3,000 workers require 400.
The bill includes new provisions to protect workers and trade union members from unfair labour practices and anti-trade union discrimination. Employers will be prohibited from blacklisting workers or...
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