Bangladesh’s employment law is primarily governed by the 2006 Labour Act and the 2015 Labour Rules. These laws outline the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers in commercial and industrial enterprises, covering areas like working hours, wages, leave, and termination of employment.
Key aspects of Bangladesh’s employment law:
Working Hours:
The standard workweek is 48 hours, with a maximum of 10 hours per day. Night work for women is restricted from 10 pm to 6 am without their consent.
Wages:
Employees must be paid on or before the 7th of each month, and in case of termination, within seven days.
Leave:
Employees are entitled to various types of leave, including casual, sick, annual, festival, and maternity leave.
Termination:
Employers can terminate employees by providing written notice, with specific notice periods for permanent and temporary employees.
Maternity Leave:
Female employees are entitled to eight weeks of maternity leave, provided they have worked for the employer for at least six months prior to delivery.
Overtime:
Employees are entitled to overtime pay, typically twice the ordinary rate of pay, for work exceeding the standard working hours.
Dispute Resolution:
Aggrieved workers can file cases in the Labour Court, with appeals to the Labour Appellate Tribunal.
Statutory Compliance:
Employers must comply with the Labour Act and Rules, including providing proper working conditions, wages, and leave entitlements.
Income Tax:
Salaries are subject to income tax deductions at source.
In summary, Bangladesh’s employment law aims to protect workers’ rights while also ensuring a functional and productive workforce within commercial and industrial settings.
