Decent work in the digital age: A legal perspective on platform-based employment in Bangladesh

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), characterized by the integration of technology and human labor, is rapidly shaping the employment landscape in Bangladesh. A defining feature of this transformation is the expansion of the digital platform economy, which has accelerated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased need for remote and flexible work arrangements. Traditional employment structures are giving way to new forms of work, such as gig and part-time employment, offering workers greater flexibility and access to income-generating opportunities. However, these benefits are accompanied by significant challenges, particularly the ambiguous legal status of platform-based workers. Bangladesh's current labor laws do not adequately recognize or protect workers engaged in these non-traditional employment models, leaving them vulnerable and without legal recourse. This study investigates the responsiveness of Bangladesh’s labor legal framework to the demands of digitalization. Using a doctrinal research approach, it analyzes employment contracts, workplace conditions, and the broader implications of digital labor on workers’ rights. The findings indicate a pressing need for legislative reform. The study calls for a holistic and inclusive legal strategy that adapts to digital realities while ensuring decent work standards, social protection, and regulatory oversight for all forms of employment in the digital era.