Interim Report - Report No 413, March 2026

Case No 3263 (Bangladesh) - Complaint date: 26-FEB-17 - Active

Allegations: The complainant organizations allege serious violations of freedom of association rights by the Government, including arbitrary arrest and detention of trade union leaders and activists, death threats and physical abuse while in detention, false criminal charges, surveillance, retaliation, intimidation, acts of anti-union discrimination and interference in union activities, as well as excessive use of police force during peaceful protests and the lack of investigation of these allegations

1. 59. The Committee last examined this case (submitted in February 2017) at its October–November 2024 meeting, when it presented an interim report to the Governing Body [see 408th Report, paras 172–209 approved by the Governing Body at its 352nd Session]. 
2. 60. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) provided additional information in a communication dated 2 October 2025.
3. 61. The Government provided its observations in communications dated 12 and 14 November 2025 and 3 February 2026.
4. 62. Bangladesh has ratified the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98).

A. Previous examination of the case

1. 63. At its October–November 2024 meeting, the Committee made the following recommendations on the matters still pending [see 408th Report, para. 209]:
   • (a) The Committee urges the Government to ensure that a thorough, independent and impartial investigation is conducted into allegations of excessive use of force against minimum wage protestors in Gazipur in November 2023, and to keep it informed of the process and outcome of this investigation. It also urges the Government to provide information as to the outcome of the investigations already initiated on the circumstances of death of four workers during the protests.
   • (b) The Committee invites the complainant to provide details regarding the four leaders of independent unions arrested in relation with minimum wage protests of November 2023 and the charges they have faced. It further requests the Government to indicate whether any workers or union leaders remain in detention in relation to the protests, to provide information on any criminal cases filed against workers in this regard and to ensure the release of any workers detained for exercising their trade union activities. The Committee further requests the Government to drop any charges against Mr Miya that would be based on his exercise of legitimate trade union activities, including organization of public demonstrations in protest to the minimum wage measures taken by the Government, and to provide information on the status of the criminal case filed against him.
   • (c) The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide details on the functioning of the CFA Case Monitoring Committee, the efforts undertaken to expedite the resolution of the pending cases and the results achieved.
   • (d) The Committee urges the Government to ensure full consultation of all relevant social partners in relation to the Bangladesh Labour Act amendment process and to keep it informed of any developments in this respect.
   • (e) The Committee urges the Government to ensure that the circumstances of the deaths of seven protesting workers in the power plant construction site in Banshkhali, Chattogram on 17 April 2021, as well as the incidents in factories D, E and F, and the death of the worker killed during the 2018–19 minimum-wage protests are thoroughly investigated, and do all in its power to ensure that the investigations lead to the clarification of facts and identification and punishment of perpetrators. It further requests the Government to keep the Committee informed of the steps taken in this regard and the outcome thereof. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of its initiative to establish a dedicated investigatory body in this regard within the Ministry of Home Affairs.
   • (f) The Committee once again urges the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that an independent inquiry into the allegations of ill-treatment of trade unionists arrested and detained in the aftermath of the 2016 Ashulia strike is instituted without further delay. It requests the Government to keep it informed of the steps taken in this regard.
   • (g) The Committee expects the Government to take adequate measures to accelerate the handling of the remaining cases filed against workers in the aftermath of the 2016 Ashulia strike and the 2018–19 minimum wage protests, and to provide information on the status and outcome of those proceedings. It further requests the Government to ensure that no worker or trade unionist is charged and prosecuted for exercising their legitimate trade union activities, including the right to freedom of assembly, and to provide information on the status and outcome of the pending cases against workers of factories E and F and the SS power plant in Banshkhali.
   • (h) The Committee expects that the trial of Secretary-General of the BGIWF and 23 other union leaders and members and workers of factories G and H will be rapid and that they will benefit from all the safeguards of a normal judicial procedure. It requests the Government to keep it informed of the status of the cases.
   • (i) The Committee urges the Government to take any measures in its power to ensure that the case concerning Ms Chowdhury’s complaint of anti-union discrimination is concluded without further delay and to provide information on the status and outcome of the case. It further requests the Government to take all the necessary measures to ensure that the procedures of examination of complaints of anti-union discrimination are prompt and impartial and considered as such by the parties concerned. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on whether the Labour Court order concerning anti-union practices in factory C has become final and been implemented.
   • (j) The Committee urges the Government to ensure that the avenues for processing complaints of retaliation, surveillance, intimidation and harassment of workers for the exercise of their trade union activities referred to by it are widely known, including to this Committee, and effective access to these mechanisms is available to all.
   • (k) The Committee urges the Government to provide copies of the curriculum for in-service training of police officers regarding labour and human rights and civil liberties.
   • (l) The Committee expresses the firm hope that the conclusions and recommendations it has been making in this case over many years will assist the current and future Governments to take steps towards the development of a constructive and harmonious industrial relations climate where freedom of association can be exercised free from violence, intimidation and fear.
   • (m) The Committee draws the attention of the Governing Body to the serious and urgent nature of this case.

B. The complainant’s additional allegations

1. 64. In its communication dated 2 October 2025, the ITUC alleges the occurrence of new cases of anti-union violence, ongoing challenges to registration, the continued absence of effective protection against anti-union discrimination, both in law and in practice, and legislative gaps in the proposed amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act (BLA).
2. 65. In particular, the complainant alleges that, despite the 2023 change in government, there has been little change in the prevailing approach of the police who continue to view labour protests as political agitation and use restrictive measures and excessive force to control them. In this regard, the complainant alleges that, in response to a labour protest in Narayanganj in April 2024 demanding payment of unpaid salaries, the police used batons, tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets. In September 2024, workers’ protests over unpaid benefits in Ashulia developed into a violent clash between the protesters and the police, resulting in 1 worker being shot dead and 20 others injured. A week later, two minor workers were shot while participating in a protest against a factory closure. In May 2025, paramilitary forces, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) units were deployed in the area of ministries to prevent rallies by civil servants who were staging a days-long protest against an ordinance permitting the Government to dismiss employees via show-cause notices, bypassing formal disciplinary procedures. Furthermore, in June 2025, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) was declared an essential service in response to a sit-in protest and work stoppage by staff who were objecting to NBR restructuring. The complainant further alleges that although the interim government established a temporary grievance committee to address the root causes of labour unrest, which reached an 18-point tripartite agreement on the garment sector in September 2024, concerns remain regarding the enforcement of this agreement, since labour protests have persisted, with workers demanding payment of outstanding benefits and compensation for factory closures, and protesting against employers’ non-compliance with the tripartite agreement.
3. 66. The complainant further alleges that registration of trade unions remains difficult, with persistent obstacles encountered both in the online and offline systems, including deliberate postponement and obstruction to union registration by labour officers, and that the Government’s training on registration is merely ceremonial, with no consultation or involvement of the unions. In this regard, the complainant points to the concrete situation of the Ship Building Workers’ Union, which has been awaiting registration for 14 years. The case has been before the courts since the initial rejection of registration in August 2011, and although the High Court recently confirmed the union’s registration, it referred to an incorrect name; the union therefore reapplied for registration with the correct name but it was again refused, on the grounds that the application was incomplete. Even when the necessary documents were provided, an on-site inspection was conducted, followed by an objection to the registration from the Ministry of Labour. The union’s appeal against the refusal of its registration is currently pending.
4. 67. Regarding the Committee’s previous recommendations, the complainant provides details on the four unionists it alleged had been arrested and detained following the 2023 minimum wage protests. Mr Babul Hossain, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Garment Workers’ Solidarity (BGWS) was arrested in November 2023 on false charges of arson and vandalism but was granted bail and released in January 2024 with his lawyer claiming that he had been arrested without any specific charges or allegations. Three other unionists – Mr Mohammad Jewel Miya, leader of the Bangladesh Independent Garment Workers Federation (BIGWUF), Mr Mizanur Rahman, organizer of the Akota Garments Workers Federation (AGWF) and Mr Amzad Hossen Jewel – were arrested in October and November 2023 and later released on bail but remain under remand, facing serious criminal charges of attempted murder, alongside 700–800 other unnamed persons.
5. 68. The complainant further alleges the continued absence of effective protection against anti-union discrimination, both in law and in practice, pointing, in particular, to the long-standing anti-union discrimination cases filed by 22 members of the Grameenphone Employees Union (GPEU) and the lack of support from the Government to conclude these cases. The complainant alleges that the Government neither investigated the anti-union discrimination practices at the workplace nor facilitated the use of alternative dispute settlement mechanisms despite the union’s willingness to do so. There has therefore been no effective enforcement mechanism of the Labour Court’s decisions, even though these were upheld by the Supreme Court. As a result, the cases of the union’s President, Mr Omer Faruk, Vice President, Mr Muhammad Rasulul Amin and communication secretary, Ms Adeeba Zerin Chowdhury, are still pending, 15 years after their dismissal, with the company having filed several petitions to obstruct the hearings.
6. 69. Finally, the complainant points to the BLA amendment process, indicating that while the participation of trade unions has been more inclusive, several crucial gaps remain to align the BLA with Conventions Nos 87 and 98, particularly in relation to trade union registration, the definition of workers, protection against anti-union discrimination and intervention in trade union activities, as well as on the right to strike and the need to strengthen labour courts.

C. The Government’s reply

1. 70. In its communications dated 12 and 14 November 2025 and 3 February 2026, the Government provides its observations on the Committee’s previous recommendations and replies to the complainant’s additional allegations.
2. 71. Regarding the Committee’s previous recommendations on the allegations stemming from the November 2023 minimum wage protests (excessive use of police force, detention and criminal charges against trade unionists), the Government indicates that two cases were filed in connection with the death of four workers during the protests, which are currently under investigation by the police. It further states that the four unionists arrested for their involvement in the 2023 minimum wage protests – Mr Babul Hossain, Mr Mohammad Jewel Miya, Mr Mizanur Rahman and Mr Amzad Hossen Jewel – were released from prison. While the criminal cases against Mr Hossain and Mr Miya were settled (one was closed due to lack of evidence and in the other the plaintiff withdrew the complaint), the cases against Mr Jewel and Mr Rahman remain pending but both accused were granted bail and were released from prison. The Government adds, more broadly, in relation to the criminal cases filed against workers in the aftermath of the labour protests, that the CFA Case Monitoring Committee remains steadfast in resolving long-standing cases in an expedited manner by actively monitoring progress, reviewing updates, identifying areas for coordination and maintaining close communication with relevant individuals and organizations. All of the 45 cases filed after the 2023 minimum wage protests have been settled showing the interim Government’s unwavering commitment to addressing pending cases. The Government provides the relevant judicial decisions in Bangla.
3. 72. With regard to investigations into the incidents in the SS power plant construction site in Banshkhali, Chattogram, in factories D,  E  and F  and during the 2018–19 minimum wage protests, which resulted in the death of numerous workers and injuries to many others, the Government indicates that, in each case, the inquiry was duly conducted by the relevant authority and the investigation report was submitted to the court. In particular, the Government indicates that: (i) two cases remain under investigation concerning the SS power plant construction site incident; (ii) in relation to protests at factory D, one case was concluded and one is pending regarding the death of a worker; and (iii) a case is under trial concerning the incident at factory E. The Government further affirms, in relation to the above incidents, as well as the alleged ill-treatment of arrested unionists following the 2016 Ashulia strike, that it remains vigilant in case of wrongdoings by law enforcement agencies, including through the CFA Case Monitoring Committee, and that any investigations in the criminal system are fully conducted by different branches of the police, in line with the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Government also states that any police officer involved in an offence while discharging their duty is subject to departmental proceedings and disciplinary action.
4. 73. With regard to the remaining cases pending against workers following the 2016 Ashulia strike, the 2018–19 minimum wage protests and in relation to incidents in factories E, F, G  and H  and the SS power plant construction site, the Government states that : (i) of the ten cases originally filed against workers after the 2016 Ashulia strike, only one case remains pending and is expected to be finalized soon; (ii) of the 36 cases originally filed in the aftermath of the 2018– 19 minimum wage protests, one additional case was closed with all defendants acquitted since the Committee’s previous examination of the case; only three cases are therefore pending; (iii) the case filed against workers by factory E is currently on trial while the case filed by factory F was settled in January 2026 without framing any charges; (iv) two cases filed against the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers’ Federation (BGIWF) and 23 other union leaders and members of factories G and H were settled; and (v) two cases filed against workers of the SS power plant are under investigation by the police.
5. 74. With regard to the judicial proceedings following the complaint of anti-union dismissal of Ms Adeeba Zerin Chowdhury, Communication Secretary of the Grameenphone Employees Union (GPEU), the Government informs that the trials of almost all plaintiffs had been completed and that Ms Chowdhury’s cross-examination is scheduled to continue in February 2026. The Government adds that the case concerning anti-union practices in factory C  was transferred to another court and is pending. As to the more general concerns of a lack of protection against acts of anti-union discrimination raised by the complainant, the Government reiterates that it has instituted a standard operating procedure (SOP) for handling complaints of anti-union discrimination, which ensures that all cases are examined promptly, impartially and in a manner that is considered fair and credible by all parties concerned. The Government also emphasizes, in relation to the accessibility of complaint mechanisms for anti union discrimination, that the SOP ensures transparency and procedural integrity and has been disseminated through labour offices, tripartite platforms and awareness initiatives to ensure that workers, employers and stakeholders – including this Committee – are well informed of their rights and the avenues available for redress. In this respect, the Government expresses its commitment to ensuring that all affected individuals have effective access to redress mechanisms and indicates that the latest BLA amendments introduce in the law a prohibition on the blacklisting of workers and unionists. Furthermore, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the ILO, is actively reviewing and updating the existing training curriculum and developing new modules reflecting international labour standards which, once updated, will be provided to the Committee.
6. 75. As to the legislative review of the BLA, the Government indicates that extensive consultations were held through tripartite bodies, including the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC) and the Tripartite Law Review Committee (TLRC), which had been reformed to ensure genuine workers’ and employers’ representation. After consensus was reached on most of the key issues, the BLA amendment was approved by the Advisory Committee of the Cabinet Division, sent for final vetting and promulgated through gazette notification on 17 November 2025. The BLA is therefore currently in force and, following national elections, the Ordinance will be placed before Parliament for endorsement as an Act. In reply to the complainant’s allegations that there are legislative gaps in the proposed amendments, the Government asserts that that the Office has provided technical assistance throughout the amendment process and that the recommendations of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (Committee of Experts) were the main focus of the amendment, in addition to issues raised by stakeholders and development partners. The Government highlights some of the proposed changes, which include a prohibition on blacklisting, increased penalties for anti-union discrimination, provision of compensation to workers and a simplification of the registration process.
7. 76. Regarding the registration process and the persistent obstacles to registration alleged by the complainant, the Government indicates that the BLA amendment proposes to simplify the registration process by removing unnecessary and restrictive requirements, lowering the threshold for forming a trade union and reducing the amount of information, documents and meetings required. It also establishes a committee to review and oversee trade union registration, including cases of rejection. According to the Government, both online and offline application processes continue to operate so as to facilitate registration and steps are being taken to make the online system more user-friendly. Concerning the concrete allegations of delayed registration of the Ship Building Workers’ Union, the Government provides details on the reasons for rejecting the application, which it considers was conducted in line with the requirements set out in the BLA, both when the application was rejected in 2011 and in 2025. The reasons for refusal included lack of support of the required number of workers to establish a trade union, failure to submit proof of being employed in the specific industry of the group of establishments and submission of false information.
8. 77. In relation to the complainant’s latest allegations on the use of force to restrain and control protests in 2024, the Government indicates that, since 2023, it has acted swiftly to respond to numerous factory closures and worker unrest, extending financial support and initiating broad-based consultations with all stakeholders, so as to stabilize the situation. In particular, through the Government’s active facilitation, employers and workers reached a consensus on an 18-point set of demands, culminating in a joint declaration signed in September 2024. According to the Government, this important milestone paved the way to restoring industrial peace, addressing several critical concerns, including non-payment or delayed payment of wages and service benefits.
9. 78. The Government concludes by stating that it is working to develop the necessary legal and administrative framework to prevent the recurrence of serious violations of freedom of association and to ensure appropriate remedial measures, including increased penalties for related offences.

D. The Committee’s conclusions

1. 79. The Committee recalls that this case concerns allegations of serious violations of freedom of association rights by the Government, in particular through the action of police forces in the aftermath of a strike in garment factories in Ashulia in December 2016, including arbitrary arrest and detention of trade union leaders and activists, death threats and physical abuse while in detention, false criminal charges, surveillance of trade unionists, intimidation and interference in union activities. The complainants also alleged continued excessive use of police force during peaceful protests in December 2018 and January 2019, April and June 2021, February 2022, November 2023 and various instances in 2024, as well as criminal cases pending against workers who had participated in these protests. Additional allegations refer to systematic repression of trade union rights, including through anti-union acts by the employers, obstacles to registration, police violence and criminalization of trade union activities.
2. 80. The Committee notes the complainant’s additional allegations, including the use of force by the police to suppress workers’ protests, persistent obstacles to registration and lack of protection against anti-union discrimination, as well as the Government’s replies to these allegations and to the Committee’s previous recommendations.
3. 81. The Committee notes more specifically that the complainant alleges restrictive measures and excessive use of police force to control three labour protests in 2024. The complainant alleges police in April 2024 used batons, tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets. It alleges a protest in September 2024 developed into a violent clash between protesters and police, resulting in a worker being shot dead and 20 others injured. It alleges that two minors were shot while participating in a protest two weeks later. The Committee notes that the Government does not address these concrete incidents but instead emphasizes that it has acted swiftly to respond to worker unrest since 2023, extending financial support, initiating consultations with all stakeholders and facilitating the adoption of an 18-point tripartite agreement aimed at restoring industrial peace and addressing critical concerns including non-payment of wages and other benefits in the garment sector. The Committee notes that the complainant acknowledges the efforts of the interim Government to address the root causes of labour unrest in the garment sector but raises concerns as to the enforcement of the September 2024 tripartite agreement, alleging that continuing protests against persistent violations of labour rights suggest a failure to enforce the agreement. The complainant further alleges that the Government deployed paramilitary forces, SWAT units and Rapid Action Battalion units in 2025 to a days-long protest in the area of government ministries.
4. 82. The Committee welcomes the Government’s role in assisting the social partners to reach the 18-point agreement on critical labour issues that the Committee trusts will help achieve harmonious labour relations in the garment sector. The Committee further notes that, although workers continue to protest issues since the September 2024 agreement was reached, there have been no reports of violence against them. The Committee trusts that, with the Government’s facilitation, the tripartite 18-point agreement will be implemented by all stakeholders in good faith so as to contribute to addressing the root causes of labour unrest and developing and nourishing harmonious labour relations in the garment sector. However, the Committee regrets that the Government has failed to provide any information regarding any concrete actions taken to investigate the incidents in 2024 alleged by the complainant, which resulted in deaths of and injuries to protesting workers, or to ensure accountability and redress for the victims. The Committee encourages the Government to investigate such incidents promptly and requests it to provide information on any concrete measures taken to investigate those incidents and the result thereof.
5. 83. Regarding the Committee’s previous recommendations, the Committee recalls that it had requested the Government to conduct independent and impartial investigations in relation to allegations of excessive use of force during several incidents, which resulted in the death of or injury to workers, including the 2018–19 minimum wage protests, the November 2023 minimum wage protests, incidents in the SS power plant construction site in Banshkhali, Chattogram and in factories D, E and F (recommendations (a) and (e)). In this regard, the Committee notes the updates provided by the Government, indicating in particular that: (i) two cases were filed in connection with the death of four workers during the November 2023 protests, which are currently under investigation by the police; (ii) two cases are under investigation concerning the power plant construction site incident; (iii) one case was concluded and one is pending regarding the death of a worker in relation to protests at factory D; and (iv) a case is under trial concerning the incident at factory E. While taking due note of the update on the pending court cases, the Committee observes that the Government does not provide any new concrete information as to the investigation into the death of a worker during the 2018–19 minimum wage protests or on the alleged use of excessive force that caused injuries to protesting workers in factory F (besides referring to a case filed by the management against the workers). The Committee also regrets to observe the lack of information on the Committee’s previous request to conduct a thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the allegations of excessive use of force by the police during the November 2023 protests, separate from the individual court cases initiated into the death of the four workers, so as to determine the justification for the action taken by the police and to determine responsibilities. In particular, it is regrettable that the Government does not elaborate on the previously reported initiative to establish a dedicated investigatory body in this regard within the Ministry of Home Affairs but simply indicates that investigations of wrongdoing by the police are done by a separate police branch in line with the Code of Criminal Procedure and that any police officer involved in an offence while discharging their duty is subject to departmental proceedings and disciplinary action. The Committee recalls in this regard once again that in cases in which the dispersal of public meetings by the police has involved loss of life or serious injury, the Committee has attached special importance to the circumstances being fully investigated immediately through an independent inquiry and to a regular legal procedure being followed to determine the justification for the action taken by the police and to determine responsibilities [see Compilation of decisions of the Committee on Freedom of Association, para. 104]. In view of the above, the Committee urges the Government once again to ensure that a thorough, independent and impartial investigation is conducted into the allegations of excessive use of force against minimum wage protesters in Gazipur in November 2023 and to keep it informed of the process and the outcome thereof. The Committee trusts that the Government will pursue the initiative to establish a dedicated investigatory body in this regard within the Ministry of Home Affairs, as previously reported, so as to contribute to speedy and transparent fact-finding and oversight of the use of force by law enforcement agencies when addressing labour protests. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in the individual court cases currently pending in relation to the above incidents, including to provide the lacking information on the investigations into the 2018–19 minimum wage protests and incidents in factory F.
6. 84. With regard to the arrest and detention of, and charges pending against, trade unionists following the 2023 minimum wage protests, the 2018–19 minimum wage protests, the 2016 Ashulia strike and the incidents in the SS power plant construction site and in factories E, F, G and H (recommendations (b), (g) and (h)), the Committee notes the Government’s indication that: (i) none of the four unionists previously arrested in relation to the 2023 protests are currently detained; cases against Mr Hossain and Mr Miya were settled while cases against Mr Jewel and Mr Rahman are pending, with the accused currently on bail; (ii) all of the 45 cases filed after the 2023 protests have been settled; (iii) of the 36 cases originally filed in the aftermath of the 2018–19 minimum wage protests, only 3 are pending; (iv) out of 10 cases filed against workers after the 2016 Ashulia strike, only 1 case remains pending and is expected to be finalized soon; (v) 2 cases filed against workers of the SS power plant are under investigation by the police; (vi) the case filed by factory E against workers is currently before the courts while the case filed by factory F was settled in January 2026 without framing any charges; and (vii) two cases filed against the General Secretary of the BGIWF and 23 other union leaders and members of factories G and H were settled. The Committee takes note of this update and welcomes the closure of several cases. The Committee remains concerned, however, that some cases filed against workers in the aftermath of the above incidents have been pending for years, even as long as a decade. It should be recalled in this regard that the Committee has always attached great importance to the principle of prompt and fair trial by an independent and impartial judiciary in all cases, including cases in which trade unionists are charged with political or criminal offences. Justice delayed is justice denied [see Compilation, paras 176 and 170]. In this context, the Committee welcomes the commitment expressed by the interim Government to addressing long-standing cases pending against workers, in particular through the CFA Case Monitoring Committee, that the Government indicates actively monitors progress, identifies areas for coordination and maintains close communication with relevant individuals and organizations (recommendation (c)). The Committee requests the Government to provide further details as to the structure, functioning and achievements of the CFA Case Monitoring Committee and expects the Government to continue to ensure that is fully operational by providing adequate financial and human resources, as well as the necessary training. In view of the complainant’s concerns that several unionists still face serious criminal charges following their involvement in the 2023 protests, the Committee trusts that these proceedings, as well as the other cases pending against unionists in relation to the above incidents, will be concluded without delay and requests the Government to keep it informed of their outcome.
7. 85. Regarding the allegations of ill-treatment of unionists while in detention following the 2016 Ashulia strike (recommendation (f)), the Committee recalls that since its very first examination of this case, it has repeatedly requested the Government to institute an independent inquiry into the serious allegations of death threats, physical abuse and beatings of trade unionists in custody [384th Report, para. 169(a); 388th Report, para. 204(b); 392nd Report, para. 287(d), 400th Report, para. 109(b), 401st Report, para. 196(b) and 408th Report, para. 209(f)], and to keep it informed of the steps taken in this regard. The Committee regrets that the Government does not provide any concrete updates in this regard but simply affirms in general terms that it remains vigilant in case of wrongdoings by law enforcement agencies. In these circumstances, the Committee is bound to repeat the request it has been making since its very first examination of the case.
8. 86. Concerning lengthy judicial proceedings following the complaint of Ms Adeeba Zerin Chowdhury, the GPEU Communication Officer, who alleged she was dismissed on anti-union grounds together with 22 other members of the Grameenphone Employees Union (recommendation (i)), the Committee notes that the complainant alleges the continued absence of effective protection against acts of anti-union discrimination, pointing in particular to a lack of action from the Government to conclude these lengthy anti-union discrimination proceedings, either through facilitation of alternative dispute settlement or by investigating the alleged practices at the workplace. While the complainant emphasizes that the cases have been pending for more than 15 years after the unionists’ dismissal, with the company allegedly obstructing the judicial proceedings, the Government does not address this delay. The Government indicates that the hearings of cases of almost all plaintiffs were completed and that Ms Chowdhury’s cross-examination is scheduled to continue in February 2026. The Committee notes that the Government adds, in relation to previously alleged anti-union practices at factory C, that the court case was transferred to another court and is currently pending. The Committee further notes the Government’s assertion that the SOP for handling complaints of anti-union discrimination ensures prompt, impartial and credible examination of complaints, that the latest BLA amendment introduces a prohibition on blacklisting and that the Government remains committed to ensuring effective access to redress for all concerned individuals. The Committee takes due note of the efforts reported by the Government to tackle anti-union discrimination practices in the country, including through legislative amendments and ensuring accessible complaint procedures. The Committee also notes, however, the concerns raised by the complainant about the Government’s lack of action to finalize the case of Ms Chowdhury and 22 other unionists who have been awaiting resolution of their cases for more than 15 years. The Committee is therefore obliged to recall that cases concerning anti-union discrimination should be examined rapidly, so that the necessary remedies can be really effective; an excessive delay in processing such cases constitutes a serious attack on the trade union rights of those concerned [see Compilation, para. 1139]. In light of the above, the Committee urges the Government once again to take any measures in its power to ensure that the case concerning Ms Chowdhury’s complaint of anti-union discrimination, as well as those of the 22 other unionists, are concluded without further delay and to provide information on the status and outcome of these cases, as well as of the pending case of anti-union discrimination in factory C. The Committee further trusts that the adoption of the SOP on the handling of anti-union discrimination cases, together with the latest amendments to the BLA and adequate training of relevant officials, will contribute to the efficient handling of and redress for such complaints.
9. 87. Regarding the previously reported development of a curriculum for in-service training of police officers (recommendation (k)), the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in collaboration with the Office, it is actively reviewing and updating the existing training curriculum and developing new modules reflecting international labour standards, which will be provided to the Committee once updated. Taking due note of this initiative and recalling that the link to the curriculum previously provided by the Government was dysfunctional, the Committee trusts that the curriculum will be updated without delay so as to provide a strong foundation for police officers on civil liberties as well as labour and human rights. The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of, or hyperlinks to, the updated curriculum, once available.
10. 88. As to the allegations of continued obstacles to trade union registration, the Committee notes that according to the complainant, trade union registration, both through the online and offline systems, is characterized by deliberate postponements and obstruction by labour officers, while the Government asserts that both systems are functioning and adds that the ongoing BLA amendment removes unnecessary and restrictive requirements to registration, lowers the threshold for forming a trade union and reduces the amount of information, documents and meetings required, thus simplifying the registration process. The Committee further notes with concern the case of the Ship Building Workers’ Union, whose registration was refused several times and has been pending for 14 years, as well as the Government’s reply in this respect, indicating that the union’s registration was rejected in line with the applicable legal requirements. The Committee does not have sufficient information at its disposal to assess the repeated refusal of registration of the Ship Building Workers’ Union.. Recalling that a long registration procedure constitutes a serious obstacle to the establishment of organizations and amounts to a denial of the right of workers to establish organizations without previous authorization [see Compilation, para. 463], the Committee welcomes the reported simplification of registration proposed in the BLA amendment and trusts that its implementation will minimize any arbitrary obstruction to registration and will facilitate trade union registration in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide further details on the new registration requirements and their application in practice, once the BLA amendment is fully adopted, to the Committee of Experts, to which it refers this legislative aspect of the case. The Committee further requests the Government to ensure that the application for registration of the Ship Building Workers’ Union is assessed by the competent authorities without delay and its registration granted, should the basic requirements be objectively fulfilled.
11. 89. Regarding the legislative review of the BLA (recommendation (d)), the Committee notes the information provided by the Government that extensive consultations were held through reformed, genuinely tripartite bodies, that consensus was reached on most of the key issues, that the BLA amendment was promulgated through gazette notification in November 2025 and that, after the February 2026 general elections, it will be placed before Parliament for endorsement. While welcoming the promulgation of the Ordinance, as well as the Government’s continued cooperation with the Office to address some of the concerns previously raised by the Committee of Experts, the Committee understands, from publicly available information, that should the Ordinance amending the BLA not be endorsed by the Parliament within 30 days after it has been laid before it, the Ordinance and thus the BLA amendment will lapse (article 93(2) of the Constitution of Bangladesh). In view of the above and further recalling that the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards and the Committee of Experts have, for numerous years, been examining the compatibility of national legislation with the Conventions on freedom of association ratified by Bangladesh, the Committee requests the Government to provide any further updates on the endorsement of the Ordinance by the Parliament, as well as a copy of the BLA as finally amended, to the Committee of Experts, to which it refers this legislative aspect of the case.
12. 90. Finally, taking due note of the Government’s commitment to developing the necessary legal and administrative framework to prevent the recurrence of serious violations of freedom of association and to ensure appropriate remedial measures, the Committee expresses the firm hope that the conclusions and recommendations it has been making in this case over many years will assist the current and future Governments to take steps towards the development of a constructive and harmonious industrial relations climate where freedom of association can be exercised free from violence, intimidation and fear.

The Committee’s recommendations

1. 91. In the light of its foregoing interim conclusions, the Committee invites the Governing Body to approve the following:
   • (a) The Committee encourages the Government to promptly investigate the new reported incidents of police violence in 2024 and requests the Government to provide information on any concrete measures taken to investigate those incidents and the results thereof. The Committee trusts that, with the Government’s facilitation, the September 2024 tripartite 18-point agreement will be implemented by all stakeholders in good faith so as to contribute to addressing the root causes of labour unrest and developing and nourishing harmonious labour relations in the garment sector.
   • (b) The Committee urges the Government once again to ensure that a thorough, independent and impartial investigation is conducted into the allegations of excessive use of force against minimum wage protesters in Gazipur in November 2023 and to keep it informed of the process and the outcome thereof. The Committee trusts that the Government will pursue the initiative to establish a dedicated investigatory body in this regard within the Ministry of Home Affairs, as previously reported, so as to contribute to speedy and transparent fact-finding and oversight of the use of force by law enforcement agencies when addressing labour protests. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in the individual court cases currently pending in relation to the above incidents (the November 2023 minimum wage protests, the 2018–19 minimum wage protests, incidents in the SS power plant construction site in Banshkhali, Chattogram and in factories D, E and F).
   • (c) The Committee requests the Government to provide further details as to the structure, functioning and achievements of the CFA Case Monitoring Committee and expects the Government to continue to ensure that is fully operational by providing adequate financial and human resources, as well as the necessary training. The Committee trusts that all proceedings pending against unionists in relation to the above incidents (the 2023 minimum wage protests, the 2018–19 minimum wage protests, the 2016 Ashulia strike and the incidents in the SS power plant construction site and in factories E, F, G and H) will be concluded without delay and requests the Government to keep it informed of their outcomes.
   • (d) The Committee once again urges the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that an independent inquiry into the allegations of ill-treatment of trade unionists arrested and detained in the aftermath of the 2016 Ashulia strike is instituted without further delay. It requests the Government to keep it informed of the steps taken in this regard.
   • (e) The Committee urges the Government once again to take any measures in its power to ensure that the case concerning Ms Adeeba Zerin Chowdhury’s complaint of anti-union discrimination, as well as those of the 22 other unionists, are concluded without further delay and to provide information on the status and outcome of these cases, as well as of the pending case of anti-union discrimination in factory C. The Committee further trusts that the adoption of the standard operating procedure on the handling of anti-union discrimination cases, together with the latest amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act (BLA) and adequate training of relevant officials, will contribute to the efficient handling of and redress for such complaints.
   • (f) The Committee trusts that the curriculum for in-service training of police officers will be updated without delay so as to provide a strong foundation for police officers on civil liberties as well as labour and human rights. The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of or hyperlinks to the updated curriculum, once available.
   • (g) The Committee trusts that the implementation of the simplified registration procedure included in the BLA amendment, as reported by the Government, will facilitate trade union registration in practice and minimize any arbitrary obstruction to registration. The Committee requests the Government to provide further details in this regard to the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (Committee of Experts), to which it refers this legislative aspect of the case. The Committee further requests the Government to ensure that the application for registration of the Ship Building Workers’ Union is assessed by the competent authorities without delay and its registration granted, should the basic requirements be objectively fulfilled.
   • (h) The Committee requests the Government to provide any further updates on the endorsement by the Parliament of the Ordinance amending the BLA, as well as a copy of the BLA as finally amended, to the Committee of Experts, to which it refers the legislative aspects of the case.
   • (i) The Committee expresses the firm hope that the conclusions and recommendations it has been making in this case over many years will assist the current and future Governments to take steps towards the development of a constructive and harmonious industrial relations climate where freedom of association can be exercised free from violence, intimidation and fear.
   • (j) The Committee draws the attention of the Governing Body to the serious and urgent nature of this case.