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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Labour Laws and Remedies for Workers
Published : Saturday, 15 August, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Rahul Deb Nath
Since ancient times, people have worked to sustain their livelihoods. The Industrial Revolution transformed workplaces, bringing wages, working hours, safety and other rights to the fore. Protecting workers' rights is therefore both a humanitarian and legal responsibility.
WHAT DOES BANGLADESH'S LABOUR LAW SAY?
Workers' rights are governed by the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, covering wages, working hours, leave, maternity benefits, safety, discrimination, trade unions and accident compensation.
Sections 120-123 ensure timely wage payment and minimum-wage protection. Sections 100 and 108 regulate working hours and double-rate overtime, while Sections 103 and 115-118 cover various leave entitlements. Sections 45-50 provide 120 days of maternity leave. Sections 61-78A and 90A address workplace safety and welfare; Sections 345A-345B prohibit discrimination and harassment; and Section 176 protects trade union rights. Sections 150-174 provide compensation for work-related injury, disability or death.
WHAT TO DO IF WORKERS' RIGHTS ARE VIOLATED
Workers deprived of legal rights should pursue lawful remedies rather than remain silent.
Preserve Evidence: Keep appointment letters, salary receipts, attendance and leave records, notices and relevant communications.
Written Complaint: Submit a written complaint to the employer, management or relevant authority and retain a copy.
Government Assistance: If unresolved, seek assistance or lodge a complaint with the appropriate government authority.
Labour Court: Depending on the dispute, workers may seek remedies through the Labour Court or other applicable legal processes. Complex cases may require legal advice.
Workers' Organisations: Trade unions and workers' organisations can provide support, provided demands and protests remain lawful and peaceful.
HOW A CASE IS FILED AND CONDUCTED
Under the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, workers may seek Labour Court remedies for unpaid wages, unlawful dismissal, compensation and other employment violations.
Identify the Problem: Establish the violation, such as unpaid wages, unlawful dismissals, deductions or workplace injury.
Collect Evidence: Preserve appointment letters, salary slips, bank statements, attendance records, dismissal notices and other relevant documents.
File a Case: Submit a written demand to the employer and, if unresolved, approach the Labour Court. Sections 213-219 govern labour disputes and related proceedings.
Hearing and Evidence: Both parties submit statements, documents and evidence. Under Section 216, the Labour Court has certain civil court powers.
Judgment and Appeal: The Court issues its judgment or order. An aggrieved party may generally appeal to the Labour Appellate Tribunal within 60 days under Section 217.
FINAL REMARKS
Awareness of labour rights enables workers to protect their entitlements and seek lawful remedies. Employers, too, must comply with labour law and ensure a safe, fair and lawful working environment.
The writer is a lawyer
-SA
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
