Dhaka, Apr 21 (V7N)- The Labor Reform Commission, headed by Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, has officially submitted its much-anticipated report to the Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, proposing comprehensive reforms to improve the rights, safety, and welfare of workers across Bangladesh.

The handover took place on Monday (April 21) at the State Guest House Jamuna. The Chief Advisor acknowledged the significance of the report, saying, "There is international interest in the findings of this commission. The report will be submitted to the National Consensus Commission, where the opinions of all parties will be considered."

Key Recommendations of the Labor Reform Commission:

  • Legal Protection for All Workers: A foundational call for legal coverage for all categories of workers, including those in informal and unregulated sectors.

  • Universal Maternity Protection: Ensuring maternity benefits are available across sectors, regardless of job type.

  • Support for Informal Sector Workers: Recommendations for government assistance programs and special schemes for informal laborers.

  • National Wage Standards:

    • Creation of a Permanent Wage Commission to ensure dignified national and sector-based wages.

    • Wage revisions every three years to reflect inflation and evolving labor conditions.

  • Use of Bangla in Legal Proceedings: The commission recommends that Bangla be used in labor courts and the appellate division, improving accessibility for local workers.

  • Migrant Workers’ Rights: Proposals to protect and ensure the rights of Bangladeshi migrant workers.

  • Garment Worker Safety Framework: In light of past tragedies such as the Rana Plaza collapse, the report calls for a strong framework for worker safety in the garment sector.

  • Trade Union Transformation:

    • Call for reforms in the structure of trade unions.

    • Recommendation to calculate union support based on absolute numbers rather than percentages, making union formation easier.

    • Proposal to use the word “nari” (woman) instead of “mahila” in labor laws to reflect gender-sensitive language.

  • Media and News Workers’ Rights:

    • Inclusion of television news workers under the wage board and labor laws.

    • Recommendations to ensure the safety and job security of media workers, including rules on dismissal and protection through identity verification.

  • Withdrawal of Cases Against Journalists and Human Rights Activists:

    • The commission strongly urged the withdrawal of all pending cases against journalists and rights defenders, reinforcing the commitment to freedom of speech and activism.

Commission Composition

Formed in November last year, the Labor Reform Commission had initially been given a 90-day deadline but extended the timeline to ensure comprehensive consultation. The commission includes:

  • Dr. Mahfuzul Haque – Former Secretary, Ministry of Labor & Environment

  • Dr. Zakir Hossain – Professor, Rajshahi University

  • Tapan Dutta – President, TUC Chattogram Division

  • Adv. AKM Nasim – Former President, Labor Court Bar Association

  • M. Kamran T Rahman – Former President, Employers Federation

  • Chowdhury Ashiqul Alam – President, Bangladesh Trade Union Sangha

  • Shakil Akhtar Chowdhury – General Secretary, Bangladesh Labor Federation

  • Taslima Akhtar – Photographer and Labor Organizer

  • A student representative

Next Steps

Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized that the next phase will involve thorough deliberations with all stakeholders under the National Consensus Commission, ensuring that the reform process is inclusive, transparent, and impactful.

The report has been seen as a critical step toward improving labor rights, safety, and justice in Bangladesh and may carry significant international ramifications for trade relations, particularly in sectors like garments and outsourcing, where labor standards are closely scrutinized.

END/MSS/AJ