Labour and Industrial Law contained in a number of statutes. This branch of law is concerned with conditions of employment in shops, establishments, factories and industries, relation between employer and employees and the legal position of the trade unions and other organizations.

Under the British rule the legislation prior to 1881 was mainly intended to help employers. Early labor legislations were enacted in the middle of last Century to meet the special branches of organized industry like Plantations, Mills etc. After the First World War, the principle of the state intervention to regulate industrial workers was recognized in the sub-continent. The working classes realized the need of organized and collective action for improvement in their conditions of employment. Some employers began to appreciate the idea of an organized and satisfied labor force for more efficiency and industrial progress.

In 1923, an Act known as Workmen’s Compensation Act was brought on the statute book for payment of compensation to workers for accidents sustained during work or diseases contracted due to industrial occupations. To encourage formation of workers’ organizations, the Trade Unions Act was passed in 1926 to provide for representation of workers by their Trade Unions, and to accord such unions certain rights, privileges, immunities and obligations. This Act formed the basis of foundation of labor legislation. In 1929, a Royal Commission on labor was set up whose report formed a landmark in the history of labor welfare. Consequently, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, was enacted. The next phase of advancement in legislation started during 1939-54 when there was expansion of industry and corresponding increase in employment, which gave rise to increase in the industrial problems. At the end of the Second World War, the sub-continent was confronted with enormous increase in the industrial disputes. An Act called, The Industrial Disputes Act, was enacted in 1947 to prevent industrial unrest and to bring about harmonious relations between the employers and employees. Consequent on partition of India in 1947, Pakistan got its heritage of Labor Laws from India. By 1950, industrialization of the country started and specially, there was progress in the Jute and Textile industries. This resulted in proportionate growth of industrial labor and sense of security in the working class. In 1969, Industrial Relations Ordinance was promulgated to consolidate the matters relating to industrial disputes and trade union activities.

After liberation in 1971, Bangladesh got its heritage of this branch of law from Pakistan. At present the Labor and Industrial Law of Bangladesh is contained in a number of Statutes and in the delegated legislations under them.