Bangladesh, a rapidly growing economy, mandates compliance with its Labour Act of 2006, updated in 2018. This legislation outlines recruitment, employer-employee relationships, pay, perks, and safety regulations, including collective bargaining and conflict resolution. It expands workers' rights, including financial incentives for new mothers and freedom of association.

Employers looking to hire employees from Bangladesh, whether through an Employer of Record (EOR) in Bangladesh or other means, must be well-versed in these regulations. Adhering to leave policies is crucial, including annual leave, sick leave, maternity and paternity leave, and public holidays. Understanding and complying with these policies ensures a balanced work-life environment for employees and helps employers maintain a harmonious and legally compliant workplace.

Annual Leave (Paid Time Off)

In Bangladesh, employees are entitled to one day of annual leave for every 18 days worked within a calendar year. Note that some industries may calculate leave entitlements differently.

Public Holidays in Bangladesh

Bangladesh designates 21 national holidays each year, but employees are entitled to take only 11 of these days as paid holidays, with employers selecting which holidays to observe. Public holidays falling on weekends are not compensated. Certain religious holidays, determined by the lunar cycle, will be confirmed closer to their dates

Sick Leave

Employees in Bangladesh are typically entitled to 14 days of paid sick leave annually. This leave is non-transferable and must be utilized within the year. A medical certificate is required for any absence to qualify for sick leave and the associated pay.

Casual Leave 

Employees in Bangladesh can avail of up to 10 days of paid casual leave per year for urgent matters such as sudden illness, minor accidents, or personal emergencies. This leave is non-cumulative and cannot be carried over to the next year if unused.

Maternity Leave

Female employees in Bangladesh who have been with the company for at least six months are eligible for 16 weeks of paid maternity leave eight weeks before and eight weeks after childbirth. Those with less than six months of service or more than two surviving children generally receive unpaid leave. Women are prohibited from working for eight weeks following childbirth. Additionally, women who suffer a miscarriage before starting maternity leave are entitled to four weeks of paid leave without wage deductions.

Let's say, for instance, Ayesha, having worked for over a year, gets 16 weeks of paid leave. In contrast, Fatima, with only 5 months of service, receives unpaid leave. Additionally, if Ayesha suffers a miscarriage before her leave, she gets 4 weeks of paid leave.

Paternity Leave

While there is no statutory provision for paternity leave in Bangladesh, some companies voluntarily offer paid paternity leave policies.

Parental Leave

There is currently no provision for parental leave in Bangladesh.

Other Leave

Bangladesh does not have statutory provisions for other types of leave.

Hassle-Free Leave Policy Management in Bangladesh with Gloroots

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