The Ministry of Labour and Employment on Monday adopted 22 time-bound action plans to be implemented within 180 days as part of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government’s Election Manifesto 2026.

The decisions were taken at a workshop held at the ministry’s conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat to finalise short-term deliverables under the manifesto.

Chaired by Labour Secretary Dr Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, the workshop was addressed as chief guest by Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, who directed officials to submit weekly progress reports and ensure regular follow-up to meet the stipulated deadlines.

Labour law reforms by March

As part of labour law reform and modernisation, the ministry set March 31, 2026 as the deadline for transforming the Bangladesh Labour Ordinance, 2025 into a full-fledged law.

Officials said formulation of labour rules under the Bangladesh Labour Act and enactment of laws to eliminate child labour and forced labour will be completed by June 30, 2026.

The operationalisation of the National Social Dialogue Forum, under the manifesto’s commitment to a tripartite consultative mechanism, has also been scheduled for completion by June 30.

Employment strategy, survey and new department

Under the employment agenda, a National Employment Strategy aligned with the National Employment Policy 2022 will be finalised by June 30, alongside formation of related committees.

An updated employment survey, to be conducted with support from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), is targeted for completion by July 30.

The government also plans to establish a Department of Employment to operationalise employment exchanges at district and upazila levels by August 30.

Recruitment drive across departments

To strengthen enforcement and service delivery, recruitment of 122 personnel recommended by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) for the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments will be completed by March 31.

Additionally, recruitment of 27 employees in various posts from Grade 13 to Grade 20 of the ministry will be completed by February 28, while filling of other vacant posts in the inspection department has been set for April 15.

The Department of Labour will complete recruitment to 69 vacant posts by May 15, and the Minimum Wages Board will fill two vacant positions by the same date.

Minimum wage expansion in informal sectors

Under the fair wage initiative, suitable sectors will be identified from 65 proposed informal sectors for minimum wage determination by May 30.

Minimum wages for workers in hotels and restaurants will be implemented by June 30, to be enforced by the inspection department. The Minimum Wages Board will also announce and implement minimum wages for the tannery, hotel and iron foundry sectors by the same date.

Digital trade union registration, ADR mechanism

To ensure trade union rights, the Department of Labour will introduce a simplified digital trade union registration system by July 15.

An Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism will be introduced in labour courts by June 30 to expedite disposal of pending cases.

Women workers’ protection, RMG compliance

As part of worker protection measures, particularly for women, the Department of Labour will establish working women’s hostels in Kalurghat and Narayanganj by June 30.

In the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, Anti-Harassment Committees will be formed in 100 percent of factories by the same deadline.

The Central Fund and the Bangladesh Workers Welfare Federation will bring at least 300 companies under the Workers’ Participation and Welfare Fund (WPPF) by June 30.

Social protection, maternity benefit support

Under social protection initiatives, financial assistance to workers through the Central Fund, BLWF, UWPP and EIS will be implemented by August 31.

Regarding six months of paid maternity leave, the ministry said that, considering practical realities, arrangements will be made to provide a two-month allowance without leave after completion of four months of maternity leave by June 30. The initiative will be implemented by the Central Fund and the Bangladesh Workers Welfare Foundation.

State Minister for Labour and Employment Md Nurul Haque also spoke at the workshop, which was attended by senior officials of the ministry and its subordinate departments and agencies.