Work in Bangladesh

Work in Bangladesh covers the relationship between workers, employers, institutions and businesses. Employment usually involves working for an employer under agreed conditions, while business activity involves providing goods or services independently or through a registered organization. Unemployment describes a period without desired paid work for someone who is able, available and actively seeking it. Bangladesh's labor market includes about 71.7 million employed people. Agriculture accounts for about 46% of employment, services for 37% and industry for 17%. Ready-made garments, construction, trade, transport, healthcare and information and communication technology provide major occupational pathways. Entry requirements may include academic qualifications, technical and vocational education, workplace learning, apprenticeships, professional examinations or licenses. About 84.9% of employment was informal in the 2022 Labour Force Survey. Informal work may not provide the same written terms, paid leave, safety protections or social protection as formal employment. Formal employment rules concerning wages, working time, leave, workplace safety and dismissal depend on the sector, establishment and applicable legal regime. Export processing zones follow separate labor law administered by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, known as BEPZA. Employers organize work, pay wages, keep records and manage safety and employee representation. A person who loses work cannot rely on a nationwide unemployment registration system or a general unemployment benefit because Bangladesh has neither. Targeted programs and household resources provide limited support. In 2024, the unemployment rate was 3.66% for people aged 15 and over and 8.07% for people aged 15–29. Starting a business commonly involves a local Trade License and an e-TIN. The legal form, activity, turnover and premises determine whether registration with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms, a BIN, VAT registration or another sector approval is required. BanglaBiz can combine initial applications and prepare an activity-specific approval checklist, but local authority requirements, fees and processing times still vary.