Workers' documents prove decisive, 80% arbitration cases won

These documents now serve as the primary evidence in cases involving illegal termination, withheld wages, unpaid overtime, workplace injuries, maternity benefits, gratuity and provident fund-related grievances.

With proper documentation, workers can seek remedies through the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), legal aid services or labour courts.
 
DIFE statistics show that workers secure victory in 80 percent of arbitration complaints. Legal experts further note that in formal court proceedings, workers win nearly 75 percent of cases filed.
 
This trend underscores a crucial reality as documentation has become the cornerstone of workers' empowerment, transforming everyday papers into powerful shields of justice.
 
Experts suggest that workers should take photos of their appointment letters on the first day of joining, keep photocopies of ID cards and collect salary slips every month. In case of problems, they should contact DIFE helpline 16357 or legal aid hotline 16430.
 
At present, there are 13 labour courts and one Labour Appellate Tribunal across the country to ensure quick disposal of workers' cases.
 
In March 2026, a total of 331 cases were disposed of, while 27,876 cases, including previous and current ones, remain pending.
 
According to the National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO), a total of 30,041 workers have received government-funded legal services from 2009 to March 2026 and compensation amounting to Taka 6,97,11,916 has been realised for workers.
 
In Dhaka and Chattogram, 22,083 legal advice services have been provided through labour legal aid cells. At the same time, legal assistance has been extended in 4,617 cases, of which 820 have been disposed of. In the majority of the cases, verdicts went in favour of workers, reports BSS.
 
DIFE Joined Inspector General Mahfuzur Rahman Bhuiya told BSS, "Workers can lodge complaints with us in various ways. If employers violate the law, workers can complain to the Inspector General, inspectors or through our toll-free helpline 16357."
 
He added, "Around 5,000 complaints are received annually. Of these, 20 percent are for information or not related to us, while the remaining 80 percent are valid."
 
He further said, "After receiving complaints, we send them to the respective offices. Inspectors investigate and try to realise workers' dues through discussions with the employers."
 
He went on, saying "In this way, workers win in 80 percent of the complaints. In cases where employers do not comply even after instructions from inspectors, our inspectors file cases. In many instances, workers themselves also file cases as plaintiffs."
 
General Secretary of Labour Court Lawyers Society (Bar Association) Advocate A S M Anichuzzaman Tuhin told BSS, "Anyone working as a 'worker' in factories, shops, construction sites, hotels or households can file a case under the Labour Act 2006 if they have documents."
 
"However, there is only one condition for winning - you must have documents proving that you are a worker," he said, adding, "Around 75 percent of cases filed under labour law are decided in favour of workers. In 10 percent of cases, proper documents are not found, while in the remaining 15 percent, verdicts go in favour of employers."
 
Labour Appellate Tribunal Registrar Hedayetul Islam told BSS, "In March 2026, 331 cases were disposed of, while a total of 27,876 cases remain pending, including previous and current ones."