President Mohammed Shahabuddin has taken an unusual step by returning a proposed labour law amendment to parliament for review, citing concerns about the heightened penalties for workers involved in “unfair labour practices” in the Bangladesh Labour (amendment) Bill, 2023.
Media reports claimed this adding the President’s approval is essential for the bill to become law.
This move follows protests by garment workers advocating for improved minimum wages and coincides with a new US presidential memorandum threatening sanctions for labour rights violations.
The contested provision in the bill, Section 54, seeks to increase fines for activities categorized as unfair labour practices, such as engaging in trade union activities during work hours, coercing workers to join trade unions, damaging factory property, participating in “illegal” strikes, or pressuring employers through intimidation.
The proposed fine would rise from Taka 5,000 to Taka 20,000.
In his note on the bill, the President expressed apprehension about Section 54, stating that it may lead to confusion and emphasising the need for its reconsideration.
