employment & Labour Law
What is Employment & Labour Law?
Employment and Labour law is the body of regulation that governs the relationship between employers and workers. It includes rules on hiring, wages, working hours, termination, health and safety, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution. In Bangladesh, the cornerstone of labour law is the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 (BLA-2006), which consolidates many earlier statutes and provides a comprehensive legal framework for protecting workers’ rights and regulating industrial relations.
However, this Act is supplemented by Bangladesh Labour Rules, 2015, which detail how different provisions of the law should be implemented. Labour law in Bangladesh covers not only industrial or factory settings but also a broad array of “establishments” (shops, hotels, restaurants, commercial premises, construction, etc).
Moreover, in Bangladesh, labour law falls under the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), and is also responsible for creating labour policy, setting minimum wages, regulating industrial relations, and ensuring that employment standards are met.
The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) is a key enforcement body under MoLE. It has offices across the country (31 Deputy Inspector General offices) to inspect workplaces, enforce compliance with the BLA-2006, and ensure worker welfare, safety, health, and correct wage practices. DIFE inspectors have authority to examine workplaces, review documents, question employers and workers, and report violations. When there is a serious violation (for example, non-payment of wages, health and safety breaches), DIFE can initiate complaints or recommend prosecution in a Labour Court. DIFE also provides guidance, education, and training to employers and workers on how to comply with labour laws, aiming not just to punish but to prevent violations.
Furthermore, under the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, labour disputes are handled through a specialized court system. Labour Courts deal with both civil labour matters—such as unpaid wages and compensation—and criminal offences under the Act. A Labour Court is normally tripartite, consisting of a chairman and two members representing workers and employers. However, in criminal matters, the Chairman may adjudicate alone.
Appeals from Labour Courts lie with the Labour Appellate Tribunal, headed by a chairman who is or has been a Supreme Court judge. The Tribunal may amend awards, transfer cases, and exercise supervisory control over Labour Courts. Its decisions are generally final, except in cases involving imprisonment or substantial fines, where a further appeal to the High Court Division may be permitted.
Our Expertise
The Imperial Jurists, as a leading legal chamber in Bangladesh specializing in employment and labour law, brings deep expertise to address these complex legal issues that confront both employers and workers. With our strong understanding of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 and the accompanying labour rules, we guide clients through not only advisory work but also litigation before Labour Courts and the Labour Appellate Tribunal.
Our labour law practice encompasses compliance counselling (ensuring that workplaces meet legal standards under the Act), representation in inspections by DIFE (Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments), and defence or prosecution of labour offences. Because DIFE is the principal enforcement authority under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, our team stays abreast of how inspectors exercise their powers, such as inspecting factories, examining employment documentation, and lodging prosecution when serious safety or wage violations are found.
In employment dispute resolution, The Imperial Jurists has a track record of litigating unfair dismissal, wage arrears, retrenchment, and workplace injury cases. Our lawyers are experienced before Labour Courts, which, under the Labour Act, can try both civil-type labour disputes and criminal offences. We also handle appeals to the Labour Appellate Tribunal, leveraging our knowledge of procedural law, statutory deadlines, and the tribunal’s supervisory control.
Our Working Process
1. Primary Client Conference & Case Planning
We begin by listening to you during our first meeting. During this stage, we gather all relevant information, understand your goals, and identify the legal aspects of your situation. This helps us create aclear roadmap for how to proceed, tailored to your needs.
2. Evaluation and Advise
Next, we conduct a thorough review of all documents, facts, and applicable laws. Whether it’s a property matter, a business issue, or a dispute—we assess the strengths and risks of the case so that you’re fully informed before moving forward.
3. Take Necessary Legal Actions
Once the case is ready, we prepare and take necessary legal actions. If the matter proceeds to court, we represent you with utmost professionalism and integrity. We also explore out-of-court resolutions whenever possible to save time and costs.
Frequently asked questions
At Imperial Jurists, we offer an initial short consultation to understand your issue and provide general guidance. If your case requires deeper legal assessment or document review, we’ll let you know the consultation fees in advance, with full transparency.
Yes, timing can make a big difference. Every legal issue has its own limitation period—a time frame within which legal action must be taken. Waiting too long may weaken your case or even prevent it from being filed. We recommend speaking to our legal team early so we can assess your situation and advise on the best course of action.
Your case will be handled by a dedicated legal expert from our team, based on the nature of your matter—be it real estate, civil, business, or criminal law. Our senior lawyers oversee every case to ensure quality, and you’ll always be kept informed about who is managing your file.
Why choose us?
- Years Of Experience
- Many Prestigious Awards
- Experienced Attorney
- Free Consulting
