Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to Labour and Employment and Shipping ministries, said that the maternity leave of female workers is being extended to 120 days.
He said that the interim government is firmly committed to develop a labor system in line with global standards while maintaining the welfare and dignity of Bangladeshi workers.
He made the statements on Thursday while addressing as the chief guest at an informal discussion and iftar program with officials from embassies of various countries on labor issues at the Radisson Blue Water Garden Hotel in the capital.
He said: “The Labor and Employment Ministry is working to implement the directives of the chief adviser to meet the international standards aiming at improving the living standards of workers.”
Mentioning the formation of Labour Rights Reform Commission, he said: “The government formed high-powered the commission led by a labour rights activist.”
However, the commission is expected to submit recommendations by March 2025 after examining the problems in the sector to ensure the fundamental rights of all workers at the formal and informal levels in line with international standards and to establish social justice for the working people.
“The government has worked closely with trade unions, employers and development partners, especially ILO, to amend the labor law in line with the growing demand and international conventions,” he furthered, adding: “A key aspect of our labor law amendment is the simplification of trade union registration and activities. A system is being introduced to make the formation of trade unions easier and more transparent by emphasizing worker representation and collective bargaining.”
Talking about the maternity leave of workers, he said: “The maternity leave of female workers is being increased to 120 days.”
In response to ambassadors’ questions he said: “A provision has been included to maintain the confidentiality of trade union members.”
“Moreover, measures are being taken to implement ‘alternative dispute resolution’ to reduce the backlog of labour-related cases. The process of settling other cases filed against workers and labour leaders are ongoing.”
Ministry officials including the secretary were present at the informal meeting ahead of 353rd session of the International Labor Organization (ILO) to be held in Geneva, Switzerland from March 10 to 20.
Translated by AM
