SANGSAD BHABAN, June 11, 2026 (BSS) - A total budget of Tk 467 crore has been 
proposed for the Ministry of Labour and Employment for the 2026-27 fiscal 
year, marking an increase of Tk 77 crore compared to the previous year.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury placed the proposal in the 
Jatiya Sanshad today while unveiling the national budget. Of the proposed 
allocation, Tk 236 crore has been set for operational expenditure and Tk 231 
crore for development spending.

According to the budget proposal, priority will be given to protecting 
workers' rights, ensuring safe and decent working conditions, strengthening 
trade union registration, improving industrial relations, resolving labour 
disputes, and implementing minimum wage policies more effectively.

It also prioritises expanding social protection for workers, providing 
employment services for the working-age population, safeguarding women 
workers' rights, and eliminating child labour. 

Strengthening labour standards compliance in factories and establishments and 
continuing coordination with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and 
other international bodies will remain key focus areas.

Skill development and labour-related research have also been emphasised in 
the new budget.

Key initiatives include launching government "Employment Exchange" centres at 
district and upazila levels, along with establishing daycare and 
breastfeeding corners at workplaces.

To ensure fair wages, sector-based wage boards will be formed, while further 
amendments to the Labour Rules, 2015 (amended 2022), have been proposed.

The government also plans to modernise and strengthen the Department of 
Inspection for Factories and Establishments and implement a project to set up 
13 district offices.

In his budget speech, the finance minister underscored that employment 
generation remains one of the government's top priorities.

He said the government is pursuing sector-based employment generation under 
the principle of "We will work, we will build the nation," aiming to expand 
both domestic and foreign investment through economic reforms. 

He announced plans to create nationwide employment exchanges to connect job 
seekers with available vacancies based on merit and skills, while also 
providing training support for those lacking required competencies.

The government has set a target of creating 2 lakh new jobs annually in the 
technology sector, alongside generating an additional 8 lakh indirect jobs 
through freelancing and creative industry training.

Special employment initiatives will also target marginalised groups, 
including rural unemployed persons, homemakers, elderly citizens and informal 
workers, through training in agriculture, cottage industries, digital skills 
and small business development, coupled with microcredit support.

On labour welfare, he said fair wages will be ensured through periodic 
minimum wage reviews, while integrated workplace safety inspections will be 
strengthened in line with ILO standards. Compensation for workers injured or 
killed in workplace accidents will also be ensured through a unified Labour 
Information Management System (LIMS).

The minister also highlighted the enactment of the Bangladesh Labour 
(Amendment) Act, 2026 to further strengthen legal protections for workers.

Special emphasis was placed on women and child-friendly workplaces, including 
strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against harassment, expansion 
of safe transport and accommodation facilities for women, and the 
introduction of a women-operated "Pink Bus Service".

He also noted that a national action plan (2026-2030) has been prepared to 
eliminate child labour and ensure a safe environment for children.

The government, he added, is committed to building an inclusive labour market 
ensuring dignity, safety and fair opportunities for all workers.