Why the neglect in enforcing labour laws despite existence?

Three driving forces underpin Bangladesh’s development and progress: high-yielding rice in agriculture, labor-intensive export-oriented garment manufacturing, and remittances from overseas employment. At the core of all three lies labor and the working population. However, in the development equation, the share of the working class remains minimal. According to international standards, the rights and dignity of workers in Bangladesh have not been established in state, social, or economic spheres. Workers and employees in the country are still deprived of living wages, the right to freely form trade unions in accordance with ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and other legitimate rights, social recognition, and protection.

In recent years, the dominance of free-market economics and price manipulation by profit-hungry syndicates have pushed up the cost of living so drastically that workers and ordinary people are forced into a life of hardship and deprivation. The leadership of labor organizations is no longer in the hands of true working-class representatives. As a result, many vulnerable workers are being crushed under a system of exploitation. Alarmingly, a large portion of the world’s population comprises workers, most of whom remain deprived of their rights. It is the laborers who toil to produce food, clothing, and shelter. Without intense physical effort, these individuals struggle even to meet their basic needs. In many parts of the world, ILO conventions regarding workers’ rights remain unenforced or are regularly violated, even in countries where they are technically implemented. The situation in Bangladesh is no exception, with worker rights poorly established and frequently neglected. Though child labor is prohibited by law, many children are still seen working. Socially, the working class has yet to earn due respect, even though all forms of labor—regardless of type—are essential.

To distinguish between intellectual and physical labor in matters of dignity and rights is contrary to the spirit of civilization. The existing labor laws in Bangladesh are insufficient to protect workers’ interests and need to be modernized. Each year, 1.8 million new individuals enter the labor force. Since employment opportunities do not grow at the same pace, the majority end up in the informal sector. While formal sector workers receive some benefits, those in the informal economy are largely excluded. Though laborers produce usable goods and services, their access to these very necessities is minimal. Despite being the driving force behind improvements in all economic indicators, workers receive the least in terms of nutrition, education, healthcare, rest, and safety—even as global food and consumer goods production increases.

Despite significant growth in GDP, per capita income, and export earnings in Bangladesh, the country remains known as a source of cheap labor. The justification given for low wages is often that Bangladeshi workers are less productive. However, productivity does not depend on labor alone—it also involves machinery, management, and manpower. What matters most is ensuring respect for labor. Workers in Bangladesh have yet to achieve that respect. The International Trade Union Confederation’s (ITUC) Global Rights Index 2023 paints a grim picture of the condition of workers in Bangladesh, ranking it among the ten worst countries in the world for labor rights. The other nine countries are Belarus, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Guatemala, Myanmar, Tunisia, the Philippines, and Turkey.

Although workers had the right to organize and bargain even during colonial times, those rights have since become more limited. In Bangladesh’s eight Export Processing Zones (EPZs)—designed to attract foreign investment—workers are not permitted to form trade unions. The country’s largest industrial sector, the ready-made garment industry, employs over 4.5 million workers. While minimum wages have been declared, they remain far from adequate to meet basic needs. In many factories, wages are not paid regularly, leading to frequent unrest in the garment sector. Even compared to other South Asian countries, Bangladeshi workers are paid less.

Although some improvements in workplace safety occurred after the Rana Plaza collapse, conditions in most sectors remain deplorable. The wages currently earned by Bangladeshi workers are insufficient to maintain a humane standard of living or reproduce their labor power. According to a study by the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), garment workers in Bangladesh earn barely half of what is required to cover basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Approximately 80% of the country’s workforce is employed in the informal sector, where minimum wage laws and regulated working hours are virtually nonexistent. The working environment in these sectors is often extremely hazardous. While policymakers envision a prosperous, advanced economy, there is no alternative to improving workers’ living conditions. Countries that have achieved economic progress have also seen significant improvements in worker welfare.

Bangladesh’s Labor Law, enacted in 2006, is still inadequate to protect workers’ interests. Worse still, both the government and employers frequently disregard the law, infringing on labor rights. Though Bangladesh ranks low on many international indices, being listed among the worst ten countries for labor rights is utterly unacceptable. If we are truly committed to leading the nation toward sustainable development, improving workers’ living conditions must be a priority. It is unrealistic to expect labor or service from workers who are underfed and forced to live in inhumane conditions. Ensuring minimum wages, safe working conditions, and social protections is non-negotiable.

In the informal sector, workers typically lack job security and permanency. They do not receive paid leave. Although women are legally entitled to the same labor rights as men, the reality is starkly different. In garment factories and small industries dominated by female workers, low wages, inferior job status, part-time contracts, arbitrary dismissals, long working hours, and the denial of weekly holidays, maternity benefits, and other facilities are rampant.

Additionally, female workers often endure unhealthy work environments, lack of access to safe drinking water, and sexual harassment. Wage discrimination between men and women for equal work is common. Despite the high participation of women in agriculture and domestic work, their contributions often go unrecognized. Female domestic workers remain excluded from all legal protections. Yet occupational health and safety is a basic legal and human right. A safe and secure working environment increases productivity. If employers and government departments work together, ensuring such conditions should not be difficult. Providing a safe and healthy work environment is both a legal and moral obligation of every employer.

One of the primary objectives of labor law is to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. Employers must be more aware of labor laws and regulations. When workers are healthy and safe, productivity in industries increases. Occupational health and safety should not be viewed as a cost but as an investment. Unfortunately, this mindset has yet to take root among Bangladeshi industrialists. As a result, workers remain at risk both inside and outside the workplace.

A significant portion of the nation’s average annual income comes from the industrial sector. Therefore, ensuring the health and safety of these workers is crucial. The government and all relevant stakeholders must take responsibility for creating safe and non-hazardous work environments, especially in labor-dense areas. With proper attention and implementation, continuous increases in productivity and income can be achieved while reducing workplace accidents. Labor and human consciousness are the foundation of all social wealth. Therefore, ensuring their rights and safety is essential.

Labor rights are part of Bangladesh’s constitutional obligations. As a member of various international organizations, the country is also committed to achieving specific labor standards. For this, policy formulation, planning and implementation, universality, and inclusive approaches are essential. Through targeted, strategic programs, workers’ rights can be ensured, allowing them a fair share in industrial development and progress. This is how a fair, dignified, and just Bangladesh can be built—an aspiration shared by many experts. Strengthening labor rights is key to presenting Bangladesh as a strong and dignified nation on the global stage.

Raihan Ahmed Topadar is a researcher and columnist.