RMG leaders seek review of labour law amendments

Leaders of the country's apparel industry on Tuesday urged the government to review certain provisions of the latest amendments to the labour law, saying the changes were made bypassing the tripartite committee's agreed recommendations.

They also expressed frustration over their repeated but unsuccessful attempts to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to discuss pressing issues concerning the sector.

"We have been trying for the last four months to get an appointment with the chief adviser, but despite several attempts, we haven't been given any time," said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan at a press conference held at the association's headquarters in the capital.

"If anyone wants to negotiate or raise concerns, they need to talk to the relevant authority," he said, adding that the sector expected direct engagement with the government on key policy matters.

Mr Khan pointed out the irony that Starlink, which plans to invest $100 million in Bangladesh, had been granted a meeting with the chief adviser while the $40-billion apparel industry - the country's largest export earner - had not.

"How can we negotiate or raise our concerns if we don't get a chance to meet him?" he asked. "It is his responsibility to listen to us."

The press conference was organised to highlight the industry's concerns over the proposed amendments to the labour law, particularly issues related to workers' representation for trade union registration, LDC graduation, and the recent increase in Chattogram port charges.

Their demands came after the Advisory Council last Thursday approved the draft Bangladesh Labour Act (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which significantly reduces workers' representation requirements - setting them based on numbers instead of the existing percentage system.

Under the revised draft, at least 20 workers in an establishment employing 20 to 300 workers can apply to form a trade union. This contrasts with the tripartite committee's earlier recommendation of 50 workers' representation in factories employing 50 to 500 workers.

The amendment also allows up to five trade unions in a single establishment.

Speaking at the event, the BGMEA president said the new provisions could enable individuals with no ties to the industry - such as jhut traders and house owners - to form unions, leading to instability in the sector.

"This would create internal conflict, make the industry unstable and obstruct production, which would ultimately affect both local and foreign investment," Mr Khan said.

He also criticised the decision to allow participation in both the provident fund and the national pension scheme, Pragati, saying it would raise administrative complexity, increase costs, and create management chaos.

He reiterated the tripartite committee's recommendation that factories should be allowed to choose only one of the two schemes.

The industry leaders urged the government to revise the approved ordinance considering the needs of the industry, workers, and the broader economy, noting that some 258 factories have shut down in the last year.

Criticising the government's decision to raise tariffs at Chattogram port, they demanded a gradual increase tied to improvements in port efficiency, arguing that higher costs would erode export competitiveness.

On LDC graduation, the BGMEA president requested that the government delay the transition for at least three years to allow better preparation for a business-friendly environment, including resolving the gas crisis, easing customs and NBR procedures, and improving infrastructure, logistics, and access to low-cost financing.

Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury, and Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) President Mohammad Shahriar were also present.

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