University of Dhaka

Third-Party Worker Protection Policy
 

1. Title

This policy shall be known as the Third-Party Worker Protection Policy of the University of Dhaka.

2. Legal Basis

This policy is framed under the authority of:

• The University of Dhaka Order, 1973, particularly provisions concerning administration, service engagement, and institutional oversight;
• National labour and service rules governing contractors, vendors, and outsourced labour;
• Relevant guidelines reflected in the University Calendar.

3. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all third-party workers engaged through contractors or outsourced agencies receive fair wages, safe working conditions, adequate benefits, and accessible grievance-handling mechanisms consistent with national standards and DU’s institutional commitment to decent work.

4. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All third-party workers employed through contractors, vendors, outsourced service agencies, or related entities;
• All units of the University that engage external service providers for cleaning, security, maintenance, technical support, or any other operational function.

5. Definitions

• Third-party worker means any individual employed by an external agency contracted by DU.
• Contractor refers to any organization or agency providing outsourced services to DU.
• Protection Standards refer to the minimum safeguards outlined in Section 6.

6. Policy Standards (Third-Party Protection Funnel)

6.1 Contract Approval

All contracts with external agencies must include mandatory clauses ensuring:

• Equal wage for equal work, following national wage guidelines;
• Worker access to leave as per legal requirements;
• Provision of safety equipment and basic training where applicable;
• Compliance with DU’s non-discrimination and zero-exploitation standards.

No contract shall be approved unless the contractor formally acknowledges compliance with these conditions.

6.2 DU Monitoring

The University shall monitor contractor performance through periodic checks to ensure that:

• Wages are being paid in accordance with national standards;
• Safety gear, orientation, and training are provided where required;
• Leave rights and duty schedules comply with labour rules;
• No coercive, exploitative, or unlawful workplace practices exist.

6.3 Worker Rights Assurance

The University shall ensure that third-party workers have:

• Anonymous grievance channels for reporting misconduct or violations;
• Access to DU’s designated contact point for complaint handling;
• Protection from retaliation for submitting any complaint.

7. Implementation Responsibilities

• The Registrar’s Office shall oversee enforcement of this policy.
• All units engaging outsourced services must verify compliance before issuing or renewing contracts.
• Contractors must submit periodic compliance reports if required by the University.

8. Monitoring & Compliance

• DU may conduct audits or inspections when necessary.
• Violations may result in warnings, contract suspension, cancellation, or administrative action.
• Non-compliant contractors may be barred from future engagement with the University.

9. Review of Policy

The policy shall be reviewed periodically to ensure consistency with national labour standards, DU Order 1973, and evolving institutional needs.

10. Effective Date

This policy shall take effect upon approval by the competent authority of the University of Dhaka.