Written by The Banking Post
The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has urged the government to revisit key provisions of the recently amended labour law, citing inconsistencies and potential disruptions to industrial operations.
Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, BKMEA President Mohammed Hatem said the revised definition of workers and employees in the Bangladesh Labour Ordinance 2025 has created confusion and deviates from earlier agreements reached by the tripartite consultative committee (TCC).
“The revised definition of workers and employees has created confusion and does not align with the recommendations of the TCC,” he said.
Under the new ordinance, employees—including those in administrative, supervisory and managerial roles—are classified as workers. Previously, such roles were excluded. Hatem warned that this shift could blur the line between management and labour, complicating decision-making and factory operations.
He added that the TCC had agreed not to treat employees under a specific provision as workers, but the amendment has introduced ambiguity that may prompt international buyers to demand equal benefits for both groups.
“Such a move could weaken management structures, disrupt responsibilities and ultimately affect productivity,” he said, urging the government to revise the provision in line with prior consensus.
The association also raised concerns over service benefit structures, saying the current framework does not reflect the TCC’s proposed revisions. It recommended adopting a simplified structure based on employment duration.
On collective bargaining agents (CBA), BKMEA called for elections based on majority worker consent, as previously agreed. It also urged a review of provisions related to provident funds and the universal pension scheme, arguing that maintaining both systems would be impractical.
“We need a single unified facility,” he said.
The group further requested the withdrawal of a requirement mandating two representatives with expertise in gender and harassment issues in workplace committees.
BKMEA said aligning the law with earlier tripartite agreements is essential to ensure clarity, maintain industrial harmony, and sustain productivity in the export-oriented sector.
