The Bangladesh Agricultural Farm Workers Federation on Sunday termed the newly issued ‘Policy on Temporary Daily-Based Worker Engagement 2025’ as misleading, incomplete, and a ploy to institutionalize worker exploitation.

The remark came at a press conference held at the National Press Club.

In a written statement, the federation’s General Secretary Golam Sarwar said that agricultural farm workers are entitled to various benefits as per the “Policy on Recruitment and Control of Agricultural Farm Workers.” While most research institutions under the Ministry of Agriculture follow this policy, the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) often fails to comply, he alleged.

He also said the Finance Ministry has issued a new policy which contradicts the 2017 recruitment policy and creates confusion. Misinterpreting the new guidelines, institutions under the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute are reportedly classifying existing permanent and irregular workers as temporary workers, leading to changes in their benefits and treatment.

The policy, titled “Policy on Temporary Daily-Based Worker Engagement 2025,” is said to take effect immediately and will apply solely to the appointment of temporary workers. Wage rates for such workers will be set by the Finance Division and will be applicable across all ministries, departments, offices, state-owned entities, and autonomous bodies.

The policy includes provisions requiring employers to ensure a safe and decent working environment. Special measures must also be taken to create a women-friendly workplace for female workers. Additionally, authorities must ensure that workers’ activities do not harm the environment.

The federation demanded the immediate withdrawal of the policy and urged the government to implement an existing directive from the Ministry of Agriculture for the regularization of BADC workers.

Leaders from various levels of the federation were present at the press conference.