The importance of legal recognition for domestic workers in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, a recent formal dialogue was held between local advocates, survivors and experts. The conversation highlighted key gaps in the national labor laws. It particularly emphasized how the absence of legal recognition and protection for domestic workers is creating conditions where exploitation thrives. From labor exploitation to child slavery, without binding legal frameworks, domestic workers throughout the country who find themselves victims of modern slavery are left with few pathways to justice or freedom. That’s why the group is advocating for change.
Ratification to prevent exploitation
The title of the event jointly organized by Shobujer Ovijan Foundation, Oxfam in Bangladesh, The Daily Star, and co- funded by The European Union, was “Transforming Policy into Law: Domestic Workers’ Rights and Implementation Barriers.” The primary objective was to advance the process of formally recognizing domestic workers as labor. A change that would go a long way towards ensuring domestic workers’ inclusion in relevant legal frameworks. Thus, giving them options in cases of abuse and exploitation.
As reported in The Daily Star, Khadeja Akter Antora, Program Officer at Oxfam in Bangladesh said,
“The absence of legal recognition leaves domestic workers vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, both domestically and abroad. Including them in the national labor law is crucial—not only to ensure their safety, security, and fundamental rights, but also to hold employers accountable.”
Globally, protecting domestic workers made a vital step forward with the ratification of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 189. The convention calls for protection and decent working conditions for domestic workers worldwide. Sadly, Bangladesh has yet to ratify this crucial convention. But now may be an opportune moment to move towards ratification. Attendees felt the current political context and the presence of a non-partisan interim government may have opened a window of opportunity for positive change.