Rights organisation Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) has urged the government to urgently amend the Bangladesh Labour Rules, 2015 to ensure safer, more dignified and discrimination-free workplaces, while improving workers' access to justice.

BLAST submitted its recommendations to the Ministry of Labour and Employment on July 22 and to the relevant committee on July 23.

According to a BLAST press release, the proposals were prepared in line with the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, as amended in 2026, international labour standards and workers' practical experiences.

The recommendations call for mandatory workplace safety training, regular risk assessments and clear provisions to operationalise the statutory compensation fund for workplace injuries and deaths.

BLAST also welcomed the inclusion of key High Court directives in the latest amendments to the Labour Act, but recommended explicitly recognising cyber harassment within the legal definition of sexual harassment.

The organisation further called for transparent and accountable procedures to receive, investigate and resolve complaints related to workplace violence, harassment and discrimination.

BLAST Director (Law) Md Barkat Ali said revising the labour rules was essential for the effective implementation of the amended Labour Act. He also recommended incorporating protections under the Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy, 2015 and introducing paralegal services in labour courts to improve workers' access to legal assistance and justice.