The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) on Tuesday presented an 11-point reform proposal, including raising penalties for labour law violations and making labour licences mandatory as part of compliance before commencing factory production.

During a meeting with the Labour Reform Commission held at Shrama Bhaban in the city, DIFE also proposed measures to ensure a decent working environment for all workers in both the formal and informal sectors.

At the meeting, DIFE’s proposals were tabled for amendments to the labour law and its effective implementation.

Earlier, on 18 November, the interim government formed the Labour Reform Commission, headed by Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), to provide recommendations aimed at reforming the country’s labour sector to safeguard workers’ rights and welfare.

Among DIFE’s other suggestions were increasing compensation for workplace accidents and enhancing punishments for labour law violations.

It also proposed establishing offices in all 64 districts across the country and creating multiple Deputy Inspector General offices in labour-intensive areas.

The formation of a labour intelligence agency was recommended to address labour issues and preempt workers’ unrest.

DIFE emphasised ensuring the payment of wages to workers within seven working days of the month, with notification sent to the area inspector, as well as enforcing strict penalties for workplace sexual harassment.

Other proposals included introducing a provision for labour inspectors to impose ‘administrative fines’ or ‘spot fines’ for labour law violations and enabling inspectors to seek assistance from law enforcement agencies when necessary.

The Department proposed making it mandatory to establish breastfeeding corners in factories and stipulating labour licences as a prerequisite for commencing production, as well as a condition for compliance for factories and institutions.

At the meeting, Commission Chair Mr Ahmed said, “The Labour Reform Commission is working to ensure the health and safety of workers in both formal and informal sectors.”

DIFE Inspector General Omar Md Imrul Mohsin remarked, “A harmonious coordination between employers and workers is essential for developing the labour sector. Necessary reforms and their implementation are also needed to ensure welfare.”

Members of the Labour Reform Commission, including Dr Mahfuzul Haque, Dr Zakir Hossain, AKM Nasim, Chowdhury Ashiqul Alam, Shakil Akhtar Chowdhury, and Taslima Akhtar, attended the meeting.

Other attendees included DIFE Additional Inspector General Arif Ahmed Khan, President of the Bangladesh Trade Union Sangha Rashedul Alam, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Employers Federation Farooq Ahmed, Executive President of BKMEA Fazle Shamim Ehsan, and BGMEA member ANM Saif Uddin, among others.