A mother and her 6-month-old son, Nubaid bin Sadi, filed a writ petition in the High Court on Wednesday. They seek to establish comprehensive paternity leave policies across all institutions in the country, addressing the evolving roles of fathers in child care.
The petition names 11 defendants, including the Cabinet Secretary, Public Administration Ministry Secretary, and Law Ministry Secretary. It emphasises the changing societal dynamics where fathers play an increasingly vital role in newborn care, particularly in urban settings like Dhaka, where familial support is often limited.
Highlighting the high rate of caesarean births in Bangladesh, the writ stresses the critical need for fathers to be present during the recovery period for both the mother and child. Currently, the absence of paternity leave places significant strain on new fathers trying to support their families during this crucial time.
According to Supreme Court lawyer Ishrat Hasan, the existing lack of paternity leave policies contradicts several constitutional articles, including Articles 7, 27, 28, 29, 31, and 32. Notably, over 78 countries, including neighbouring nations such as India, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, already recognise the importance of paternity leave.
The petition urges the urgency for legislative action to ensure equitable parental leave rights, aligning with global standards and constitutional principles.
