Workers' rights: A small step on the long road ahead

Bangladesh's removal from the list of the world's ten worst countries for workers' rights marks a noteworthy development that deserves cautious appreciation. For the first time since 2017, the country has managed to move out of this group, according to the Global Rights Index 2026 published by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). While the achievement does not signify a dramatic transformation in labour conditions, it does indicate that certain reforms undertaken in recent years have begun to attract international recognition.

The significance of the development lies not only in the change of ranking but also in what it represents. For decades, Bangladesh's remarkable economic growth, particularly driven by its ready-made garment industry, has often been accompanied with concerns about workers' welfare, workplace safety, freedom of association and labour rights. International scrutiny intensified following a number of industrial disasters and repeated allegations of restrictions on trade union activities. Against that backdrop, any positive movement in the global assessment of labour rights carries both symbolic and practical importance.

The ITUC attributes the improvement largely to legal reforms introduced under the interim government. Among the most notable changes was the easing of requirements for forming trade unions. Previously, workers needed the support of 20 per cent of a company's workforce to establish a union, a condition widely viewed as a major obstacle, especially in large factories. Under the revised provisions, as few as 20 workers can initiate a union, depending on the size of the enterprise. Such a measure has long been advocated by labour rights activists and international organisations as a necessary step towards strengthening workers' collective bargaining power.

The reforms also include provisions for 120 days of paid maternity leave, extension of labour rights and social security protections to domestic and agricultural workers and inclusion of shipbreaking activities under formal labour regulations. These measures undoubtedly represent progress in addressing longstanding gaps in the country's labour framework.

However, the same report assigns the country a rating of five, placing it among nations where there is still "no guarantee of rights." This is a grim reminder that legislative changes alone do not automatically translate into meaningful protections on the ground. Rights enshrined in law are meaningful only when workers can exercise those freely and without fear.

The report points to several persistent concerns. It highlights continued restrictions on freedom of association, employer resistance to unionisation efforts and the suppression of labour protests. Particularly troubling are allegations of police intervention against workers seeking to organise or demonstrate. The report cites incidents in 2025 in which workers protesting unpaid wages and bonuses faced violent dispersal measures, including the use of tear gas.

The situation in special economic zones remains another area of concern. These zones have been instrumental in attracting investment and generating employment, but labour rights advocates argue that workers within them frequently encounter obstacles when attempting to organise collectively. Ensuring that economic competitiveness does not come at the expense of fundamental labour rights remains a challenge not only for Bangladesh but also for many developing economies seeking rapid industrial growth.

Labour experts in the country have echoed these concerns. While welcoming Bangladesh's removal from the list of the ten worst performers, they emphasise that administrative barriers continue to hinder effective implementation of labour laws. Registration of trade unions in small and medium-sized enterprises remains difficult and genuine worker representation in tripartite bodies involving government, employers and labour groups is yet to be fully realised. These observations suggest that the journey towards meaningful labour reform is way too far.

What makes the issue particularly important is the changing global context. The ITUC report notes a worrying decline in workers' rights worldwide. Even regions traditionally associated with strong labour protections have witnessed setbacks. The report records deteriorating conditions across continents and points to increasing restrictions on trade union activities, rising violence against workers and growing challenges to collective bargaining rights. In this broader picture, Bangladesh's modest improvement stands out as a positive development.

However, global recognition should not breed complacency. Rather, it should serve as an incentive for deeper reforms. Bangladesh's economic ambitions including its aspiration to graduate smoothly from least-developed-country status and attract higher levels of foreign investment will increasingly depend on demonstrating adherence to international labour standards. Investors, consumers and trading partners are paying closer attention than ever to issues of workplace rights, social compliance and responsible business practices.

Ultimately, the true measure of success will not be determined by rankings alone. It will be reflected in whether workers can organise freely, receive fair wages, work in safe conditions and seek justice without intimidation. The recent reforms provide a foundation upon which further progress can be built. Yet translating legal promises into lived realities requires political commitment, administrative efficiency and a willingness to engage constructively with workers' representatives.

It signals a movement in the right direction, but it also underscores the considerable work that remains ahead. Sustained progress will depend on whether the country can build on these reforms and ensure that the rights of workers are protected not merely in legislation, but in every factory, field and workplace across the nation.

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