The Labor ministry’s Minimum Wage Board has sought the power to impose fines and take legal action, seeking the authority to set up mobile courts as part of an effort to improve its oversight of wage practices in the country’s formal sectors.

To this end, a letter was sent from the Wage Board to the labor and employment ministry, a copy of which was obtained by The Business Standard, seeking necessary changes in the existing labor laws.

Currently, the government imposes wages in 42 sectors, mainly known as formal sectors.

The Minimum Wage Board reviews the wages and forwards its recommendations to the Ministry of Labor. The Ministry can either announce them as they are or make changes before finalization. The board does not have any authority other than its current duty.

Labor-related irregularities and wage practices are primarily inspected by the Factory and Workplaces Inspection Department and the Labor Department under the Ministry of Labor.

Sources within the Minimum Wage Board noted that although it was established in 1959, the board’s powers remained limited.

Raisha Afroz, secretary of the Minimum Wage Board, told The Business Standard: “Since the board recommends the wages, it would have been easier if it had the authority to ensure proper implementation. To this end, the chairman has sent a letter to the Ministry of Labor Requesting mobile court authority for the ministry .”

In the board’s proposal to amend the labor law, it is stated that “The Minimum Wage Board will conduct on-site inspections in privately owned industrial enterprises and factories throughout the country in order to ensure the implementation of the wage rate.”

The proposal continues: “The President may establish mobile courts to verify and ensure payment of wages, benefits, and gratuities in accordance with the gazette.”

It is also stated that “If crimes are detected during the mobile court operation, the board will have the authority to impose penalties.”

The proposal also proposes nine more changes, including the appointment of a new member within two months if any board member resigns, emigrates or dies.

Babul Akhter, general secretary of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation, declined to comment on whether the Minimum Wage Board should be given the authority to operate mobile courts.

However, he said, “Since this institution makes salary recommendations, it should have the authority to monitor, handle complaints and conduct investigations.”

“This organization, which monitors the wages of 42 sectors, lacks logistical support and manpower. Besides these, it also needs a strong research cell. Currently, it has to rely on other institutions for information.”

Wage Board officials said the board does not have its own office and operates with only 10 employees. Although there is a large building called Shrom Bhaban in the capital Bijoynagar, the Wage Board has no place there.

The organization, which had been operating in a dilapidated building for several years, moved to a rented building near Shrom Bhaban at the beginning of this year. There’s only one vehicle the president can use, and that’s only in Dhaka.

Due to a lack of logistical support, including transportation, the board relies on private sector industrial owners to conduct wage reviews and monitor workers’ conditions.

Let us remind you that in a discussion organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies on October 27, labor leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the poor condition of the Wage Board.