The Ministry of Labour and Employment has unveiled a comprehensive 22-point action plan to be executed within 180 days, in line with the BNP government’s election promises. The plan was solidified during a workshop held at the ministry’s conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat, presided over by Secretary Md Sanowar Jahan Bhuiya, with Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury as the chief guest.
During the workshop, the minister emphasized the crucial need for weekly progress reports on the manifesto’s implementation, stressing the importance of close monitoring. Key decisions included setting a deadline of March 31, 2026, to formalize the Bangladesh Labour Ordinance, 2025, as law and completing the recruitment of 122 recommended inspectors for the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE).
Furthermore, the ministry outlined deadlines for various initiatives such as updating labour regulations under the current law, enacting laws to combat child and forced labour, and establishing a National Social Dialogue Forum by June 30, 2026. Additionally, plans were set to roll out digital trade union registration by July 15, 2026, initiate employment exchanges at district and upazila levels, update the national employment survey by July 30, and ensure minimum wage compliance in the hospitality sector by June 30.
Additional measures include implementing anti-harassment committees in all RMG factories, stipulating minimum wages in the tannery, hotel, and iron foundry sectors, and providing financial aid to workers through welfare funds. State Minister Nurul Haque Nur also delivered remarks during the workshop, which saw the participation of senior officials from the ministry and its affiliated departments.
