🇧🇩
Bangladesh
Employment Guide & Cultural Intelligence
Overview
Capital
Dhaka
Currency
BDT
Language
Bengali
Time Zone
UTC+6
GDP per Capita
$2,460
Work Week
48 hours
Employment Basics
| Standard Work Week | 48 hours |
| Notice Period | 30-120 days based on contract type |
| Probation Period | 6 months |
| Overtime Rules | 100% premium for hours beyond 8/day or 48/week |
| Termination Rules | Cause required; gratuity and provident fund for permanent employees |
| Minimum Wage | BDT 12,500/mo (~€105) for garment sector; varies by industry (2024) |
Statutory Benefits
10
Annual Leave Days
22
Public Holidays
32
Total Paid Days Off
| Parental Leave | 16 weeks maternity (full pay) |
| Sick Leave | 14 days at full pay annually |
Employer Cost Summary
0%
Employer Tax/Contribution Rate
| Mandatory Insurance | Workers compensation; some sectors require provident fund |
| Retirement/Pension | Limited public pension; gratuity for many employees |
| Healthcare | Private healthcare for white-collar; public for general population |
Cultural Intelligence
Communication Style
Polite, indirect, relationship-driven; English used in business
Hierarchy
Strong; respect for elders, titles, family
Meeting Norms
Time flexible; relationship-building precedes business
Negotiation Approach
Patient; bargaining expected; trust through repeated interaction
Gift Giving
Welcome; quality items; respect Islamic norms predominantly
Taboos
Use right hand; respect Islamic norms; mind political sensitivities
Hiring Tips
1
Massive young workforce — labor cost competitive
2
Garment industry dominates exports — well-organized labor regulations there
3
Strong English in white-collar tech/BPO sectors in Dhaka
4
Friday-Saturday weekend
5
Provident fund and gratuity often function as combined retirement benefit
Quick Facts
- Work Week 48 hrs
- Annual Leave 10 days
- Public Holidays 22
- Employer Burden 0%
- Probation 6 months
- Currency BDT