Maternity benefit provisions in Bangladesh are provided for under Chapter IV of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, which has been amended a number of times since then, most recently through the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2026, passed by Parliament in April 2026. The amendment increased the total maternity leave entitlement from 112 days to 120 days (60 days before delivery and 60 days after). It covers all private sector establishments, including the garment industry. Women working for the government and several private industries, including education and banking, had already been given more time off under previous executive orders.
Who Can Take Part
A female employee who has served at least six months of continuous service with the same employer prior to her expected date of delivery is eligible for paid maternity benefits. Only women with less than two surviving children at the time of delivery are entitled to the full paid entitlement; leave for a third or subsequent child is usually unpaid. The law makes it illegal for an employer to dismiss or lay off a woman because she is pregnant or on maternity leave and can punish them for doing so.
What you will need to apply
Applicants should make a written application for maternity leave addressed to the employer and a medical certification of pregnancy and the expected date of delivery, usually issued by a registered physician. Employees will also submit proof of duration of employment (i.e. appointment letter or service record) and their national identity card. A birth certificate or hospital discharge summary is generally needed to complete the post-delivery portion of the benefit and confirm the number of surviving children at the time of delivery.
How to Submit an Application
The application must be submitted in advance to the employer’s HR or administrative department before the expected date of delivery, preferably by the eighth month of pregnancy. You should retain a copy of the application you submit with an acknowledgement receipt or reference number. Applicants should refer to the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2026 in written requests when referring to the updated entitlement, as some employers may not be aware of the revised 120-day figure.
Payment Schedule and Enforcement
The law requires employers to pay maternity benefits within three days of the required documents being filed. The benefit is based on the employee’s average wage. In case an employer delays, denies or reduces the benefit due to the worker, he/she can file a complaint with the Department of Labour under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Support can also be found through registered trade unions or labour rights organisations, and labour courts have jurisdiction over disputes arising from non-compliance.
Bottom Line
In Bangladesh, maternity benefits are a statutory right and not a benefit an employer may decide to provide. The best way for working mothers to have a smooth and fully paid leave process is to know about the updated 120-day entitlement, meet the eligibility conditions, and submit complete documentation early.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days of paid maternity leave do I get in Bangladesh?
The Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2026 entitles all eligible female workers to 120 days’ paid leave, usually 60 days before delivery and 60 days after.
Do I need to have been employed for a certain period of time?
Yes, to qualify for paid maternity benefits, you need to have been in continuous service with your current employer for a minimum of six months before the week you expect to go into confinement.
Do I need to have been employed for a certain period of time?
Full paid maternity leave is only applicable when you have less than 2 surviving children at the time of delivery. Leave for a third or subsequent child is generally available but unpaid.
Is this my 3rd child so I still get benefits?
Full paid maternity leave is only applicable when you have less than 2 surviving children at the time of delivery. Leave for a third or subsequent child is generally available but unpaid.
When will I receive payment after documents are submitted?
You can lodge a complaint with the Department of Labour in the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Support is also available through registered trade unions, legal aid organisations and labour courts.
Is this 120 days entitlement applicable for garment sector workers too?
Yes. The new entitlement is applicable to all private sector establishments in Bangladesh, including the garment industry.
Summary:
Under the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2026, eligible female workers are entitled to 120 days of paid maternity leave, up from the previous 112 days. This guide explains who qualifies, what documents to submit, and how to ensure timely payment from your employer.
