A SET OF QUESTIONNAIRES FOR
LLRAC OF BEF
Question: What is the BEF Legal Cell?
Answer: The Labour Law and Regulatory Affairs Cell (LLRAC) was established
by the Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF) in response to the growing
complexities and challenges presented by labor laws and regulations in
Bangladesh. The Cell is a specialized unit within
the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF) that provides legal advisory
services to its members. It focuses on labor law, industrial relations, and
compliance matters relevant to employers in Bangladesh.
Question: Address and Contact number of the
Legal Cell?
Answer: Address: Chamber Building (4th Floor), 122-124, Motijheel C/A.,
Dhaka-1000
Tele: +880 (2) 223385208-10; Email: legalcellbef@gmail.com
Mr. Muhammad
Habibur Rahman, Asst.
Secretary-General, Cell: 01711204613 (WhatsApp)
Mr. Mahabur
Rahman, Legal Officer, Cell: 01774882816 (WhatsApp)
Facebook page: Labour Law & Regulatory Affairs
Cell
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575609308293
Website: www.bef.org.bd
Question: What are the office hours of the Legal
Cell?
Answer: The BEF Secretariat operates during standard business hours,
typically from Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM. It’s advisable to
contact them directly to confirm current office hours.
Question: Who are the experts?
Answer: The Legal Cell has a pool of experienced professionals including
Lawyers.
Question: Who can access services of the Legal
Cell?
Answer: Services are available to BEF members,
including ordinary, group, and associate members. Non-member associations or
entities also have may access services on a case-by-case basis.
Question: What types of legal matters are
covered by the Legal Cell?
Answer: The Legal Cell addresses a wide range of legal matters, including:
·
Labor and
employment law
·
Labor
disputes and industrial relations
·
Compliance
with labor laws and ILO standards
·
Disciplinary
actions and grievance handling
·
Termination,
retrenchment, and resignation issues
·
Wage and
benefit disputes
·
Factory
compliance and occupational health & safety
Question: Are the services of the Legal Cell
available online?
Answer: Yes,
the BEF Legal Cell offers online consultations and services. Service seekers
can submit legal queries via email or the BEF website.
Question: Can the Legal Cell represent companies
before courts?
Answer: The Legal Cell provides advisory services and may assist in legal
matters and currently this cell doesn’t represent before court to the service
seekers.
Question: Does the Legal Cell provide training
or workshops?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell organizes training sessions and workshops on
topics like the Bangladesh Labour Law and Labour Rules and International Labour
Standards. For instance, a two-day training session was held in December 2024.
Question: How does the Legal Cell maintain
confidentiality?
Answer: The Legal Cell adheres to
strict confidentiality protocols, ensuring that all legal consultations and
sensitive information are handled with the utmost discretion.
Question: Is there a cost for using Legal Cell
services?
Answer: While BEF membership involves certain fees, specific charges for
Legal Cell services may apply depending on the nature and complexity of the
legal matter. It’s best to inquire directly with BEF for detailed information.
Question: How does the Legal Cell differ from
other BEF units?
Answer: The Legal Cell is dedicated to providing legal advisory services,
whereas other BEF units focus on areas like training, advocacy, and research.
The Legal Cell’s primary function is to address legal issues faced by
employers.
Question: Does the Legal Cell only deal with
labour law?
Answer: While labor law is a primary focus, the Legal Cell also addresses
related areas such as industrial relations, compliance with international labor
standards, and occupational health & safety.
Question: Can the Legal Cell help with
employment contracts?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell can provide guidance on drafting and reviewing
employment contracts to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Question: Does the Legal Cell provide opinions
on industrial disputes?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell offers expert opinions and advice on resolving
industrial disputes, aiming to maintain harmonious employer-employee relations.
Question: Can the Legal Cell advise on factory
compliance issues?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell provides advice on ensuring factory compliance
with labor laws, safety regulations, and other relevant standards.
Question: Does the Legal Cell offer advice on
occupational health & safety?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell offers guidance on occupational health and
safety matters, ensuring workplaces adhere to legal and safety standards.
Question: Can the Cell assist with wage and
benefit disputes?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell assists in resolving wage and benefit
disputes, helping employers navigate legal frameworks to ensure fair
compensation.
Question: Does the Legal Cell handle
EPZ-specific legal queries?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell addresses legal queries specific to Export
Processing Zones (EPZs), providing tailored advice for businesses operating in
these zones.
Question: Does the Cell deal with retrenchment
issues?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell provides guidance on retrenchment issues,
ensuring compliance with labor laws and fair treatment of employees.
Question: Can the Legal Cell advise on union
matters?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell offers advice on union-related matters,
including negotiations and compliance with labor laws.
Question: Does the Legal Cell help interpret ILO
Conventions?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell assists in interpreting International Labour
Organization (ILO) Conventions, ensuring alignment with national laws and
practices.
Question: Do small businesses qualify to use the
Legal Cell?
Answer: Yes, small businesses that are BEF members can access the Legal
Cell’s services, benefiting from legal guidance tailored to their needs.
Question: Are Legal Cell services available to
BEF associate members?
Answer: Yes, BEF associate members can avail themselves of the Legal
Cell’s services, subject to the terms and conditions set by BEF.
Question: Can individual employers consult the
Legal Cell?
Answer: Yes, individual employers who are BEF members can consult the
Legal Cell for legal advice and assistance.
Question: Can a group of employers jointly seek
legal advice?
Answer: Yes, a group of employers can jointly seek legal advice from the
Legal Cell, especially on matters affecting multiple entities.
Question: Can law students or researchers
contact the Legal Cell?
Answer: Yes, law students or researchers can contact the Legal Cell for
academic purposes, subject to approval and the nature of the request.
Question: Can international companies use the
Legal Cell?
Answer: International companies (MNC’s) operating in Bangladesh and
registered with BEF can utilize the Legal Cell’s services.
Question: Are trade unions allowed to contact
the Legal Cell?
Answer: Trade unions are not the primary clientele of the Legal Cell;
however, they may contact BEF for matters related to industrial relations and
labor laws.
Question: What information should I provide when
submitting a query?
Answer: When submitting a legal query, provide: A clear description of the
issue, Relevant documents (e.g., contracts, notices), Specific questions or
areas of concern, Your contact details and BEF membership information.
Question: How quickly does the Legal Cell
respond?
Answer: Response times vary depending on the complexity of the issue. It’s
advisable to contact the Legal Cell directly for estimated timelines.
Question: What is the average time to receive a
legal opinion?
Answer: The time to receive a legal opinion depends on the complexity of
the query. Simple queries may receive responses within a few days, while more
complex issues may take longer.
Question: Are in-person consultations available?
Answer: Yes, in-person consultations are available by appointment at the
BEF office.
Question: Is prior appointment required for
meetings?
Answer: Yes, it’s recommended to schedule an appointment in advance to
ensure availability.
Question: Are phone consultations available?
Answer: Yes, phone consultations are available. Contact the BEF office to
arrange a suitable time.
Question: Can the Legal Cell follow up on a case
over time?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell can provide ongoing support and follow-up on
cases as needed.
Question: Does the Legal Cell issue written
legal opinions?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell provides written legal opinions upon request.
Question: How many members work in the Legal
Cell?
Answer: The Legal Cell comprises a dedicated team of legal professionals.
For specific staffing details, please contact BEF directly.
Question: Are legal queries kept confidential?
Answer: Yes, all legal queries are handled with strict confidentiality to
protect the interests of members.
Question: How is sensitive company data handled?
Answer: Sensitive company data is managed in accordance with BEF’s privacy
policies and legal standards to ensure security and confidentiality.
Question: Can the Legal Cell represent competing
companies?
Answer: The Legal Cell may provide advisory services to competing
companies; however, it ensures that no conflicts of interest arise and
maintains confidentiality.
Question: Is there a code of ethics for Legal
Cell staff?
Answer: Yes, BEF’s Legal Cell staff adhere to a strict code of ethics to
maintain professionalism and integrity in their services.
Question: Is personal data protected under the Legal Cell’s process?
Answer: Yes, personal data is protected under BEF’s data protection
policies, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Question: Does the Legal Cell organize legal
training or workshops?
Answer: Yes, the Legal Cell organizes training sessions and workshops on
Question: Can companies request tailored legal
sessions?
Answer: Yes. BEF Legal Cell offers customized legal training sessions or
tailored workshops based on the specific needs of companies. These can focus on
issues like the Bangladesh Labour Act, compliance, industrial disputes, or
sector-specific legal topics.
Question: Does the Cell publish legal updates or
bulletins?
Answer: Yes. The Legal Cell publishes legal updates, bulletins, and
important notifications relevant to employers—especially changes in labor laws,
government circulars, and updates on international labor standards (like ILO
conventions).
Question: Can employers subscribe to a legal
newsletter?
Answer: Yes. Employers who are BEF members can subscribe to receive
newsletters, circulars, and legal updates. These may be shared via email or
posted on the official BEF website.
Question: How can an employer provide feedback
about the Legal Cell?
Answer: Employers can provide feedback by emailing directly to legalcellbef@gmail.com
or filling out a feedback form during workshops
or consultations.