In a major policy shift, the government is preparing to introduce paternity leave for civil servants alongside existing maternity leave benefits.

According to the Ministry of Public Administration, maternity leave of six months has been in place since 2011, and many private institutions now follow the same rule. However, paternity leave is still absent in Bangladesh’s laws, leaving working fathers unable to properly support their families during childbirth.

A summary on amending the Bangladesh Service Rules has been sent to the Chief Adviser’s Office. The proposal cites international practices: paternity leave is available in 78 countries, including India, where fathers get 10 days of paid leave twice in their service careers, and Pakistan, where fathers can take one month of paid leave up to three times.

Officials say the move is being considered in light of growing demands from civil servants and to ensure better family care for newborns.