Law in Bangladesh

Bangladesh law includes several distinct areas with different sources and institutions. Labor law covers employment contracts, wages, working time, workplace safety, representation, disputes and termination. It mainly applies through the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, the Bangladesh Labour Rules 2015, later amendments and sector-specific wage gazettes, with separate arrangements for government service, EPZ employment and statutory exclusions. Immigration rules govern entry, visas, permitted activities, residence, work, study, family residence, protection matters, permanent settlement and nationality. Depending on the matter, the Department of Immigration and Passports, Ministry of Home Affairs, diplomatic missions, border immigration authorities or the police Special Branch may be involved. Criminal law defines offences, investigations, trials, evidence, bail and sanctions. Bangladesh Police, Judicial Magistrates, Courts of Sessions and special tribunals may act under the applicable law. Consumer protection addresses unsafe goods, false advertising, overcharging, non-delivery and defective paid services. The Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection handles many complaints, while sector regulators may handle banking, energy, food, medicine, telecommunications, tourism and aviation matters. Civil law governs private relationships such as contracts, property, family matters, inheritance and liability. Land disputes may involve civil courts, land offices and records such as Khatian, a local land-record document used to record interests or entries relating to land. Family and inheritance questions may also depend on religious personal law. A single dispute can involve more than one area, but the responsible authority, evidence, deadline and available remedy depend on the specific facts.