Bangladesh
Overview
Please review the information below and then return to the workplace harassment prevention course.
Applicable Laws
Bangladesh does not have a national law prohibiting workplace discrimination and harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic.
Article 29 of the Constitution bars employment discrimination in the public sector on the basis of certain protected characteristics. Section 345 of the Labour Act prohibits discrimination as to wages on the basis of gender and disability by public and private sector employers.
The Workplace and Educational Institutions Sexual Harassment Prevention Ordinance, 2026 bars sexual harassment in employment and education.
Protected Characteristics
Harassment or discrimination based on any characteristic set forth below is prohibited in public employment.
- Religion
- Race
- Caste
- Sex
- Place of birth
Section 345 of the Labour Act prohibits discrimination as to wages on the basis of gender and disability by public and private sector employers.
Regional, state or other political subdivision laws may provide additional, separate standards and remedies for certain prohibited conduct.
Definitions
Harassment
Harassment, referred to under national law as “violence and harassment,” occurs when a person engages in, or threatens to engage in, a range of unacceptable behaviours or practices that cause or are likely to cause physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm, including gender-based violence and harassment.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment occurs when a person engages in unwelcome physical contact or advances, a demand or request for sexual favours, sexually-coloured remarks, the showing of pornography, or other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature, whether made a condition of employment or creating a hostile work environment.
Filing a Claim
A claim for sexual harassment must first be filed with the employer’s Complaint Committee.
A claim may also be filed with the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments or the Labour Court.
Sexual harassment may also be reported to the Police as a criminal offense under the Penal Code.
Potential Remedies
An employee who has experienced workplace discrimination or harassment may be entitled to monetary and other remedies. An employer may be required to take certain actions to correct or redress discriminatory harassment or violations of workplace safety standards. Potential remedies are listed below.
- Hiring
- Transfers
- Reassignments
- Promotions
- Reinstatement to a position
- Compensation for lost wages and benefits
- Damages for injury to dignity or feelings
- Cease and desist orders
Retaliation Prohibited
Employer retaliation against an employee who files a complaint relating to discrimination or harassment or is involved in the complaint process is unlawful.