Holiday leave
In Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 primarily governs vacation leave entitlements.
Earned Leave (Annual Leave)
Employees are generally entitled to one day of paid annual leave for every 18 days of work. However, specific entitlements exist for different industries:
- Factories, commercial establishments, shops, road transport: 1 day of leave for every 18 days of work.
- Tea plantations: 1 day of leave for every 22 days of work.
- Newspaper workers: 1 day of leave for every 11 days of work.
After completing one year of continuous service with their employer, employees become eligible for earned leave. Earned leave can be accumulated and carried over to the next year, subject to company policy or any agreements between the employer and employee.
Casual Leave
In addition to earned leave, employees are entitled to 10 days of paid casual leave per year. Casual leave can be used for unforeseen events or short-term absences.
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to 14 days of paid sick leave per year. A medical certificate may be required to avail sick leave.
Festival Leave
Employees are entitled to paid leave during festivals as determined by the government or based on agreements with the employer. The number of festival holidays varies each year.
Considerations
Employers may have more generous leave policies than the legal minimum. It's essential to refer to your employment contract and company handbook for specific details. Leave entitlements might not apply fully during an employee's probationary period.
Public holidays
Bangladesh observes a diverse range of public holidays, encompassing religious, cultural, and national celebrations.
Religious Holidays
One of the major religious holidays is Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting. It's typically a 3-day celebration with prayers, feasting, and family gatherings.
National Holidays
Among the national holidays, Language Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21. This day commemorates the sacrifices made during the Bengali Language Movement of 1952.
It's important to note that the exact dates of some religious holidays are determined by lunar calendars and can vary slightly from year to year. Also, government offices and many businesses are closed during public holidays. For the most up-to-date information on specific holiday dates in Bangladesh, it's recommended to refer to official government sources.
Types of leave
In Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 (amended in 2013) is the primary legislation governing leave entitlements.
Annual Leave (Earned Leave)
Under Sections 114-117 of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, employees become eligible for earned leave after one year of continuous service. The entitlement varies by industry. For factories, commercial establishments, shops, and road transport, it's 1 day of leave for every 18 days of work. For tea plantations, it's 1 day of leave for every 22 days of work. For newspaper workers, it's 1 day of leave for every 11 days of work. Earned leave can be accumulated for up to three years, subject to company policy or agreements.
Casual Leave
Section 116 of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 states that employees are entitled to 10 days of paid casual leave per year. Casual leave is intended for short-term absences or unforeseen circumstances.
Sick Leave
According to Section 115 of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, employees are entitled to 14 days of paid sick leave per year. A medical certificate may be required to avail of sick leave.
Festival Leave
Section 118 of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 states that employees are entitled to paid leave during festivals as determined by the government or based on agreements with the employer. The number of festival holidays varies each year.
Maternity Leave
Sections 45, 82 of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 state that female employees are entitled to 8 weeks of paid maternity leave before childbirth and 8 weeks after. This is available to women who have worked for the employer for at least 180 days.
Other Types of Leave (Situational)
Employees may be eligible for leave to pursue further education or training, subject to company policies and agreements. This is often referred to as Study Leave. Bereavement Leave may also be granted to employees in case of the death of an immediate family member, often based on company policies.
Important Considerations
Many employers may offer additional types of leave or more generous entitlements than the legal minimums. Consult your employment contract and company HR policies. Leave entitlements might not apply fully during an employee's probationary period.