UNI Global Union lauds amended labour law of Bangladesh

The UNI Global Union has lauded the recently amended labour law of Bangladesh, as the international platform of trade unions believes the reforms brought by the country will protect workers’ rights.

In a statement issued today, UNI Global Union said the amendment of the Bangladesh Labour Law (Amendment) Act 2026 introduced major reforms to strengthen workers’ rights, welcoming easier trade union formation and alignment with international standards.

The law creates a Workplace Accident Compensation Fund and an Alternative Dispute Resolution Authority, marking a significant step forward for labour rights and collective worker protection in Bangladesh.

The global platform also welcomed the amendments to the law that bring in wide-ranging reforms and strengthen workers’ rights in line with international standards.

The Bangladesh parliament passed the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on April 9 this year, and among the most significant changes introduced in the bill was a thorough reform of trade union rules, the statement also said.

The old requirement that 20 percent 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 with more than 3,000 workers require 400.

It also said 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 trade union members, establishing trade unions under their control, or providing financial support to influence union activities.

Retaliatory actions against workers for filing complaints, participating in legal proceedings, or reporting unfair labour practices are explicitly defined as anti-trade union discrimination.

The amendment also introduced strict legal prohibitions against forced labour, violence, and sexual harassment, in alignment with ILO Convention No. 190.

Sexual harassment has been clearly defined for the first time, and institutions are required to form complaint committees, with a focus on female representation.