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Worker Rights

If you work in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 protects your wages, working hours, leave, and job security. Your employer must pay on time, may deduct wages only for lawful reasons, must give notice before terminating a permanent worker, and eligible women workers may receive maternity benefit. AdalotBD does not set compensation amounts.

When must my employer pay my wages?

Your employer must pay wages on time and in full, within the wage period fixed by law — generally before the end of the seventh working day after the period ends. Wages cannot be withheld arbitrarily. Deductions are only lawful for specific reasons set out in the Labour Act, such as authorised fines, absence, or recovery of advances — not as punishment at the employer’s discretion.

Source: Bangladesh Labour Act 2006

Can I be fired without notice?

Generally no. To terminate a permanent worker, an employer must give written notice — 120 days for monthly-rated workers and 60 days for others — or pay wages in lieu of that notice. Termination must follow the procedure in the Labour Act; otherwise it may be unlawful. Dismissal for misconduct is different and requires a formal inquiry before any action is taken.

Source: Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, s. 26

What leave am I entitled to?

Workers are entitled to paid leave under the Labour Act, including annual (earned) leave, sick leave, casual leave, and festival holidays. The exact number of days depends on your industry and length of service, but these leaves cannot be denied outright. Many workers are also entitled to a weekly holiday, and eligible women workers to maternity benefit.

Source: Bangladesh Labour Act 2006

What is maternity leave and benefit?

Eligible women workers are generally discussed as entitled to maternity benefit for set weeks before and after delivery (commonly framed as about 8+8 weeks). Eligibility discussions often include roughly 6 months’ prior work and limits related to surviving children. Give oral or written notice; confirm details against your contract with an advocate.

Source: Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, Chapter IV

What rights do I have after a workplace injury?

Employer compensation for bodily injury from a work accident is discussed in Chapter XII of the Labour Act (including around s.150). Notify in writing, keep medical records, and see Labour Court counsel/an advocate. Exceptions and disablement thresholds may apply — AdalotBD does not set the award amount.

Source: Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, s.150 and Chapter XII

What if I was forced to sign a resignation?

A resignation signed under pressure is not always treated as freely given. Keep evidence (messages, witnesses), object in writing promptly, and contact 16699 or an advocate. See the employment-termination guided flow. Do not sign false confessions.

Source: Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 — general practice

Do all Labour Act protections cover managers?

Some managerial or administrative roles may fall outside parts of the Labour Act. Verify coverage using your appointment letter, actual duties, and advice from an advocate. Do not waive rights based on guesswork.

Source: Bangladesh Labour Act 2006

Authority: Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 (incl. Ch. IV maternity; Ch. XII injury). Reviewer: Pending lawyer panel review. Next review: 2026-10-01.

AdalotBD provides legal information, not legal advice, and is not a law firm. AI answers may be wrong. For your specific situation, consult a qualified advocate in Bangladesh. Legal information, not advice

Worker Rights | AdalotBD