Bangladedshi Politicians Will Essential to Ensure Wages and Dignity for Domestic Workers, Says Women’s Affairs Reform Commission Chief
Shireen Parveen Haque, head of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, emphasized the critical need for political goodwill to ensure fair wages and dignity for domestic workers. She expressed hope that future governments will prioritize appointing an ombudsman and creating a legal framework to protect domestic workers in their action plans.
She made these remarks on Saturday, October 25, 2025, during a shadow parliament session on protecting domestic workers’ rights, jointly organized by Debate for Democracy and the Mass Literacy Campaign at the FDC. The event was supported by Nets Bangladesh and Education Out Loud, and chaired by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy.
Shireen Parveen Haque noted that the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission’s report did not specifically address domestic workers’ rights, though it should have. She highlighted the absence of specific proposals for their wage structure and stressed that a minimum wage for domestic workers should be set, considering the cost of living. Appointing an independent ombudsman would foster accountability and protect their rights. She reiterated that political goodwill is essential to ensure their wages and dignity.
She further expressed hope that future governments would prioritize appointing an ombudsman and establishing a legal framework for domestic workers’ protection in their agendas. Haque criticized the derogatory use of terms like “bua” to address domestic workers, urging society to avoid such disrespectful language. She also advocated for registering domestic workers to enhance their social recognition and rights.
In his speech, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy, stated that a compassionate and caring policy cannot be expected in an autocratic social system. He criticized the previous government for failing to implement any measures for the welfare of sensitive labor groups like domestic workers. Despite policies being drafted, none were enforced, leaving domestic workers in conditions akin to British-era slavery, deprived of their rightful recognition and rights. They lack fair wages, defined working hours, medical care, leave, and recreational opportunities, unlike other workers. Kiron remarked that, despite the abolition of slavery, the inhumane treatment of domestic workers resembles a modern version of it in a civilized society.
He added that if society fails to show humanity toward domestic workers, no amount of democracy, voting rights, or good governance will make the state truly humane. Protecting domestic workers cannot be achieved by the government alone; families, society, NGOs, and the media must also step forward. However, he emphasized that political goodwill is indispensable for safeguarding their rights. He urged political parties to include commitments in their election manifestos to ensure domestic workers’ wages, leave, bonuses, and other rights, which would boost public trust and support. Kiron expressed disappointment that, post-independence, no discussions on domestic workers’ rights have taken place in Bangladesh’s parliament, and MPs have not raised their voices for their legitimate demands.
He expressed hope that the parliament formed after restoring democracy would address domestic workers’ rights and demands. He particularly urged women MPs to form a caucus with other parliamentarians to advocate for their protection, playing a vital role in securing their rightful entitlements.
Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron’s 10-Point Recommendations for Domestic Workers’ Rights:
1. Include domestic workers under the Labor Act through Advisory Council meetings, ensuring prompt implementation of wages, bonuses, working hours, and leave as per the law.
2. Make written contracts mandatory between employers and domestic workers, specifying job nature, hours, wages, and leave.
3. Establish skill development training programs for domestic workers through government and NGO initiatives.
4. Ensure accessible complaint mechanisms with law enforcement agencies.
5. Create a registration system and database for domestic workers.
6. Introduce health insurance, accident insurance, and provident funds for domestic workers through public-private partnerships.
7. Launch awareness campaigns through media, educational institutions, and religious organizations to promote humane treatment of domestic workers.
8. Ensure appropriate compensation for families of injured or deceased domestic workers.
9. Take effective measures to stop the employment of child domestic workers.
10. Establish rehabilitation centers, healthcare, and legal aid for abused or unemployed domestic workers.
During the shadow parliament session titled “Not Just Laws, but a Humane Perspective Can Protect Domestic Workers’ Rights,” organized by Debate for Democracy and the Mass Literacy Campaign, debaters from Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College defeated Bangladesh University’s team. The competition was judged by Professor Abu Muhammad Rais, Dr. Tajul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, Dr. S.M. Morshed, poet Jahanara Parveen, and journalist Md. Al-Amin. Trophies, crests, and certificates were awarded to the participating teams at the conclusion of the event.
