Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Bangladesh (Ratification: 1972)
Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 - Bangladesh (Ratification: 2022)

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Measures to address forced labour practices. The Committee notes that section 9 of the Human Trafficking Deterrence and Suppression Act, 2012, criminalizes the use of forced or bonded labour. Pursuant to this provision, the act of unlawfully forcing an individual to work against their will, or compelling them to provide labour or services, or holding a person in debt-bondage by threat or use of force in order to perform any work or service is punishable with five to 12 years’ imprisonment. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged with a view to strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agents for the prevention and investigation of forced labour cases, as well as to sensitize the general public and raise awareness of labour exploitation, forced and bonded labour, and related issues, and on the difficulties encountered in these areas. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of section 9 of the Human Trafficking Deterrence and Suppression Act, 2012, including on the number of investigations and prosecutions carried out, convictions handed down and the specific penalties applied.