Appointment letters, factory ID cards and salary slips have become the most decisive tools in securing workers’ rights, and documented proof significantly increases the likelihood of justice in labour disputes, according to legal experts.
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 per cent of arbitration complaints. Legal experts further note that in formal court proceedings, workers win nearly 75 per cent 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 in 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 the 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 69,711,916 has been realised for workers.
In Dhaka and Chattogram, labour legal aid cells have provided 22,083 legal advice services. At the same time, we have extended legal assistance in 4,617 cases, and we have disposed of 820 of them. In the majority of the cases, verdicts went in favour of workers.
DIFE Joined Inspector General Mahfuzur Rahman Bhuiya, who 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.”
The organization receives around 5,000 complaints annually. Of these, 20 per cent are for information or not related to us, while the remaining 80 per cent are valid,” he added.
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 that, “In this way, workers win in 80 per cent of the complaints." In cases where employers do not comply even after receiving instructions from inspectors, our inspectors file cases. In many instances, workers themselves also file cases as plaintiffs.”
General Secretary of the 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 per cent of cases filed under labour law are decided in favour of workers. In 10 per cent of cases, proper documents are not found, while in the remaining 15 per cent, 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.”
