EU, USA, Canada missions express support for Bangladesh Labour Act reform
The missions underscored that the advancement of labour rights would enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness and reduce reputational risks for companies
The diplomatic missions of the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States in Bangladesh – key export markets for the country – have expressed their support for the government's new initiative to amend the Labour Act.
The missions conveyed their support during a meeting with the newly elected leadership of the Bangladesh Employers' Federation at its Gulshan office in Dhaka today, according to a press release.
"Diplomatic missions welcomed and expressed support for the interim government's commitment to pass reforms to the Bangladesh Labour Act in line with international labour standards, through an ordinance, by October at the latest," the release stated.
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"The missions underscored that the advancement of labour rights would enhance Bangladesh's competitiveness and reduce reputational risks for companies," it added.
However, employers observed that these remarks, while well-intentioned, seemed to be shaped largely by external perspectives and expectations rather than a full understanding of domestic priorities and challenges.
They stressed that the government should continue discussions with social partners to reach a consensus-based solution.
US Chargé d'Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson; head of the EU Delegation Michael Miller; Acting British High Commissioner James Goldman; Canada Chargé d'Affaires Debra Boyce; representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), as well as officials from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden were present at the meeting.
Bangladesh Employers' Federation President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan and Chief Executive Officer Farooq Ahmed also joined the discussions, among others.
The draft amendment to the law was discussed on 26 August at a meeting of the Tripartite Consultative Committee. Under the existing provision, 20% of workers in any factory must support forming a trade union. However, the government wants to allow 20 workers in any factory to form a trade union, with a maximum of five unions permitted per factory.
Sources said that factory owners and a section of worker leaders have raised objections to the new decision.
