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With the introduction of the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2026, the maternity leave in Bangladesh was officially increased to 120 days (17 weeks) (although it was previously 112 days, 17 weeks). This historic revision, which comes into effect in April 2026, will cover all qualifying female employees in the private sector – even the garment industry. And, as a working woman in Bangladesh, this is all you need to know about who is eligible, the rules and how to assert your rights.
Who Qualifies for 120-Day Maternity Leave in Bangladesh?
The first step to comprehending the 120-Day Maternity Leave Bangladesh Eligibility Criteria is to start with the two fundamental conditions of the amended legislation.
Service Duration: You must have completed a minimum of six months of service within the same employer before your due date of delivery. This is the first qualification standard.
Surviving Children Condition: The entire 120 days of paid maternity leave in Bangladesh is limited to those women who have less than two surviving children. Depending on your current and surviving children, a lesser benefit can be received.
When you fit the two requirements, you are eligible for the entire 120 days of fully paid leave – and this coverage is required in all the private-sector establishments.
Eligibility for 120 Days Maternity Leave Bangladesh 2026: Key Rules Explained
The New Maternity Leave Law of Bangladesh establishes some of the key regulations to be aware of by every worker:
Full Pay Guaranteed: The leave is paid at your average wage up to the time you take leave. The employers are not allowed to cut or deny you your salary at this time.
No Dismissal Accepted: An employer is not allowed to dismiss a woman because of pregnancy or her maternity leave. It is a solid defence of the Bangladesh Labour Law Maternity Leave Eligibility.
Payment Plan: Maternity benefits need to be received within 3 days of filing the necessary documentation, and are usually paid out in two, one before and one after birth.
Mandatory Post-Birth Rest: You are never allowed to work the 8 weeks after delivery of the child (notwithstanding when you begin your leave).
How to Check Eligibility for Maternity Leave Bangladesh & Apply
Whether you are asking yourself the question “Am I Eligible for 120-Day Maternity Leave in Bangladesh?” – do this to check and file your claim:
Step 1 – Check your eligibility.
Make sure that you have served a minimum of six consecutive months with your present employer until your due delivery date and that you do not have more than two children who are alive.
Step 2 -Send a Written Notice.
In writing at least 60 days (2 months) before you plan to deliver, notify your employer. Your leave should be indicated in the date when you will start your leave. This is a written application, which is a legal obligation as per the Maternity Leave Bangladesh Salary Eligibility Rules.
Step 3 – Attach Medical Proof.
Providing doctors certified papers confirming your pregnancy are one of the most important documents for claiming maternity leave in Bangladesh.
Step 4 – Select Your Leave Distribution.
You can be flexible in using your 120 days. The law allows you to take leave prior to delivery, post-delivery, or you can take a combination up to 120 days, provided that you do not work within the initial 8 weeks after delivery.
How to Claim Extra 8 Days Maternity Leave Bangladesh
The former legislation provided 112 days of maternity leave. The 120-Day Maternity Leave Law of Bangladesh is an addition of 8 days to this right. In filling in your written notice, expressly mention your rights under the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2026, which has this extension. In case your employer is not yet aware of the update, it is best to refer to the particular Act, so that there is no confusion.
Employer Refusing Maternity Leave Bangladesh? Know Your Rights
In Bangladesh, the right to receive 120-day maternity leave or have your employer pay it, should he be denying it to you, is to:
- Complaint to be filed with the Department of Labour, with the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- Use the law (Bangladesh Labour Act), and the repercussions of non-compliance involve fines against the employer.
- Get the assistance of a trade union or legal aid organisation.
- Never believe what you are denied without objecting to it–the law strongly supports you.
Quick Summary: Who Gets Paid 120 Days Maternity Leave in Bangladesh?
| Condition | Requirement |
| Minimum service | 6 consecutive months with current employer |
| Surviving children | Fewer than 2 |
| Sector | Private (including garments) |
| Pay | Full average wage |
| Notice period | 60 days to the delivery date |
| Medical proof | An authorisation certificate of a registered doctor |
The Maternity Leave in Bangladesh is no longer a perk; it is a legal right that should be enforced in 2026, according to the amendment. All qualified women of the private sector are supposed to get 120 days of paid leave, job security and payment on time. Eligibility: know your eligibility, file the correct documents and do not be shy to claim your rights under the new law.
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