What language do you use for background checks in Bangladesh?

While English is commonly spoken in business settings in Bangladesh, Bengali (or Bangla) is the official and most widely spoken language in the country. Therefore, it is essential to have resources that can understand and communicate in Bengali to effectively conduct a background check. Many global companies rely on local screening services or use translation services to handle this task.

What You Need to Know When Performing a Background Check in Bangladesh

Performing employment background checks in Bangladesh can be a different experience compared to other countries due to its unique legal landscape, cultural norms, and practices. Here's what you need to keep in mind during the screening process:

Understanding Local Laws

Firstly, it's imperative to understand and comply with the local laws that govern employment and personal data protection. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act 2006 and Digital Security Act 2018 in Bangladesh handle data privacy and protection. Any non-compliance with these acts can lead to legal complications, so your background screening services or checks must align with these laws.

Recognize Cultural Sensitivities

Bangladesh is a country rich in culture, tradition, and societal norms. Respecting these customs and conducting the checks in a sensitive and respectful manner can help build trust with potential employees.

Explicit Consent

Before starting a background check, it's vital to obtain explicit written consent from the candidate. This is not just a standard practice but often a legal requirement. The consent should outline the type of checks to be performed and the information to be collected.

In-depth Verification

Background checks in Bangladesh typically involve validating academic credentials (education verification), checking employment history (employment verification), and searching for any criminal records. It's essential to conduct an in-depth verification to get a clear understanding of the candidate's past work history and profile.

Language Proficiency

While English is widely used in corporate Bangladesh, Bengali is the national language. All the documents, references, and credentials are likely to be in Bengali. Therefore, having resources that understand Bengali can prove beneficial in the process.

Time and Resources

The timeline for completing background screening can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the depth of the verification. Therefore, planning and starting the process well in time is advisable. Engaging with local professional agencies or partners who specialize in conducting employment check services can make the process quicker and more reliable.

Legal and Tax Implications

Understanding the legal and tax risks associated with remote hiring in Bangladesh can save employers from unexpected liabilities.

Types of Background Checks in Bangladesh

When you're planning to hire remote employees in Bangladesh, conducting comprehensive pre-employment background checks is a crucial step in the process. This helps ensure the individual's integrity and suitability for the role. Pre-employment screening involves different types of background checks, such as:

Criminal Records Check

The importance of a criminal records check cannot be overstated. This type of check is designed to identify whether the candidate has any history of criminal activities. Any form of criminal history could potentially be a risk to your organization. Therefore, it's critical to contact relevant authorities, such as the Bangladesh Police, to request this information.

Education and Credential Verification

Authenticating the prospective employee's academic qualifications and credentials is a significant aspect of the background check. This involves reaching out to the respective educational institutions or universities to confirm the validity of the degrees or certifications provided by the candidate. A valid education verification not only ensures the legitimacy of the qualifications but also helps in confirming the candidate's skills and knowledge for the role.

Employment History Verification

This is a critical part of the background check process and is often the most time-consuming. This verification involves reaching out to the candidate's previous employers to confirm employment dates, roles, performance, and reasons for leaving. This provides a clearer picture of the candidate's professional competence, reliability, and integrity.

Reference Checks

References given by the candidate are also essential to the hiring process. Both personal and professional references are contacted to glean additional insights into the candidate's work ethic, reliability, interpersonal skills, and abilities. Reference checks often provide a more comprehensive understanding of the candidate's overall character and attitude toward work.

Credit and Financial Check

While this may not be as commonly carried out in all job roles, a credit or financial check can be essential for roles that involve significant financial responsibilities or access to sensitive financial information. This helps to ensure that the candidate is financially responsible and can be trusted with company finances.

Planning to hire in Bangladesh? Here's how Skuad can help

As you build your remote team in Bangladesh, thorough and legal background checks are non-negotiable. These checks help you mitigate potential risks and make informed decisions, ensuring you hire the right people who can contribute positively to your team's culture and your company's bottom line. 

Following the information and tips in this guide will help you conduct these checks effectively and efficiently, leading to successful hiring in Bangladesh.

With us, background checks are performed only when you partner with Skuad for EOR.

So you can effortlessly hire, onboard, pay, and manage your distributed team in Bangladesh.

Get in touch to learn how Skuad can help you hire remote teams in Bangladesh.

FAQs

Are Background Checks Legal in Bangladesh?

Yes, conducting background checks is legal in Bangladesh, provided it is done in compliance with the local laws, especially those related to privacy and data protection. Consent from the prospective employee is often required before initiating such checks.

How long does a background check take in Bangladesh?

The duration of a background check in Bangladesh can vary depending on various factors. However, on average, a background check in Bangladesh may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.