Four major trade bodies in Bangladesh’s industrial sector have called for a review of key amendments to the country’s labour law, warning that the changes could raise business costs and threaten jobs.

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), and the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF) say they will first ask the interim government to scrap three disputed sections of the law.

If their request is ignored, they plan to file a writ petition with the High Court challenging the amendments, officials said, adding that legal counsel has already been appointed.

The groups argue that the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, gazetted on 17 November, contains inconsistencies and “illogical” provisions, including in the definition of “worker” and compensation rules.

According to a draft petition, they intend to challenge several sections of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, as amended, arguing that they violate constitutional rights guaranteed under multiple articles.

BGMEA vice-president Rezwan Selim said some points agreed with the government through the Tripartite Committee were not reflected in the ordinance. He criticised the definition of “worker” for including senior executives such as general managers and chief executives.

He warned that the amendments, combined with a 9% wage rise and the introduction of a provident fund, would significantly increase costs at a time when apparel exports have declined for four consecutive months.

BTMA president Showkat Aziz Russell said the amendments appeared to assume labour standards comparable to developed economies, while overlooking job creation. He claimed hundreds of garment and textile factories had already closed.