The Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) has submitted recommendations to amend the Bangladesh Labor Rules, 2015 to the Ministry of Labor and Employment and the relevant committee to strengthen workers' rights and improve workplace safety and access to justice. The recommendations were sent to the ministry on July 22, 2026, and to the committee on July 23, 2026.
The recommendations were prepared in line with the Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006, as amended in 2026, international labor standards and workers' practical experiences.
BLAST proposed measures to strengthen workplace safety, prevent violence and harassment, and improve access to justice in labor courts. The organization recommended introducing provisions for safe work practices, regular risk assessments and mandatory occupational health and safety training for all workers.
It also recommended incorporating clear provisions, responsibilities and implementation procedures for the compensation fund established under the law for workplace deaths and injuries.
BLAST welcomed the inclusion of key High Court directives in the latest amendment to the Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006. However, it recommended explicitly including cyber harassment within the definition of sexual harassment, citing growing risks of technology-based harassment in workplaces.
The organization also proposed establishing a clear, effective and accountable mechanism for receiving, investigating and resolving complaints related to workplace violence, harassment and discrimination.
BLAST Director (Law) Md Barkat Ali said: “Necessary amendments to the Labor Rules are essential for the effective implementation of the latest amendment to the Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006. The rights recognized in the Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy, 2015 need to be incorporated into the Labor Rules. Initiatives such as including cyber harassment in the definition of sexual harassment, effectively implementing the workplace accident compensation fund and introducing paralegal services in labor courts will further strengthen the protection of workers' rights and access to justice.”
To improve legal assistance and alternative dispute resolution for workers, BLAST also recommended introducing paralegal services in labor courts.
BLAST said it hopes the recommendations will be considered during the amendment process to strengthen workers' rights, improve workplace safety and accountability, expand access to justice and make the labor dispute resolution system more effective and accessible.