Government to bring domestic workers under the coverage of new labour law

The government is preparing to bring domestic workers under the scope of the upcoming labour law, set to be finalised by October 2025, Labour Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman announced on Wednesday. He said the move reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and improving the working conditions of domestic workers.

He made the remarks while speaking at the National Coordination Meeting on Domestic Workers’ Rights in Dhaka, attended by government officials, civil society representatives, labour rights activists, international partners, and domestic worker leaders.

The event was jointly organised by Oxfam, CAMPE, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) with support from Global Affairs Canada, the European Union, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Speakers at the meeting highlighted the need for stronger coordination mechanisms, proper implementation of the Labour Reform Commission’s recommendations, and formal recognition of domestic workers as part of the country’s skilled workforce.

Key recommendations included establishing a dedicated coordination forum, incorporating domestic workers in the national census, ensuring maternity leave and childcare facilities, expanding skills training, and conducting a nationwide survey through the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).

Representatives from the Canadian High Commission, the European Union, ILO, and the Bangladesh Labour Federation attended the meeting as special guests.

Syeda Monira Sultana, Senior Programme Officer at ILO Bangladesh, emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration to uphold the dignity and rights of domestic workers.