Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Feb 23, 2026 (BSS) - The Ministry of Labour and Employment today held a workshop in the capital to finalize its action plan for implementing the government's electoral manifesto 2026.

According to an official handout, the ministry presented a 22-point action plan at the workshop, held at its conference room in Dhaka. The plan is scheduled to be implemented within 180 days.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Minister for Labour and Employment, attended the workshop as the chief guest, while Secretary Dr M Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan chaired the session. State Minister M Nurul Huq was present as special guest.

Speaking at the event, the minister directed officials to submit weekly progress reports on the implementation of the manifesto and instructed the concerned authorities to maintain regular follow-up to ensure timely execution.

Among the key commitments highlighted in the manifesto is transforming the proposed Bangladesh Labour Ordinance 2025 into an Act by March 31, 2026, as part of efforts to reform and modernize labour laws. The ministry also aims to formulate a comprehensive labour policy, enact child labour legislation and eliminate forced labour in line with the Bangladesh Labour Act by June 30, 2026.

The workshop further set a deadline of August 30, 2026, for operationalizing the Directorate of Employment to launch government-run employment exchanges at district and upazila levels.

In addition, participants decided that the National Employment Strategy paper would be enacted and relevant committees formed in line with the National Employment Policy 2022 by June 30, 2026.