Staff Reporter :
US Ambassador Peter Haas has said that the labour rights are critical to the continued growth and sustainability of the readymade garment sector in Bangladesh.
He further said that the United States looks forward to deepening their work with the private sector and other stakeholders to advance internationally recognised worker rights in the RMG sector and beyond.
He made the remarks while addressing at an event marking Bangladesh Cotton Day 2023 held at Aloki Convention Center in the capital on Thursday.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association’s President Faruque Hassan and the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association’s President Mohammad Ali Khokon, along with all the representatives from the mills, brands, and retailers were present on the occasion.
“As we look at the readymade garment sector, one of our mission’s priorities here in Bangladesh is a sustainable and broadly shared prosperity realised
through improved labour standards.
This brings me to labour rights which are critical to the continued growth and sustainability of the readymade garment sector in Bangladesh,” Hass said.
Mentioning the announcement of Secretary of State Antony Blinken on November 16 about the new US Presidential Memorandum on “Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally”, Hass said that this new Global Labor Strategy calls on all US government agencies to intensify engagements with governments, labour organisations, trade unions, civil society, and the private sector to promote and protect the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
“Strong labour laws and their implementation are vital to our bilateral relationship, sustainable and inclusive development, and to support a stable and predictable operating environment for US companies operating in Bangladesh,” he continued.
Drawing attention to the recently announced minimum wage for RMG workers, he said, “The recent minimum wage review for the readymade garment sector has demonstrated the clear need for an objective, inclusive and evidence-based National Wage Policy that addresses the severe economic challenges faced by garment workers.”
Before concluding his remarks he said, “I hope today’s event will be beneficial for you and teach you even more about the benefits of including US cotton in your business.”
