Labour ministry adopts 22‑point action plan to be implemented within 180 days

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has adopted a 22‑point action plan, to be implemented within 180 days, aligning with the BNP government’s election manifesto.

The plan was finalised today at a workshop at the ministry’s conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat, chaired by Secretary Md Sanowar Jahan Bhuiya and attended by Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury as chief guest.

The minister instructed that weekly progress reports on manifesto implementation must be submitted and closely monitored.

Among the key decisions, the ministry set March 31, 2026, as the deadline to transform the Bangladesh Labour Ordinance, 2025, into law and to complete the recruitment of 122 recommended inspectors for the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE).

Labour rules under the existing labour law, laws to prevent child and forced labour, and the formation of a National Social Dialogue Forum are expected to be completed by June 30, 2026.

The ministry also set deadlines to introduce digital trade union registration by July 15, 2026, launch employment exchanges at district and upazila levels, update the national employment survey by July 30, and ensure minimum wage implementation in hotels and restaurants by June 30.

Other measures include establishing anti‑harassment committees in all RMG factories, declaring minimum wages in the tannery, hotel, and iron foundry sectors, and providing financial assistance for workers under welfare funds.

State Minister Nurul Haque Nur also addressed the workshop, which was attended by senior officials of the ministry and affiliated departments.