US warning of sanctions will not impact RMG exports: BGMEA

Staff Reporter :
Bangladeshi apparel manufacturers think that the US warning would not have any impact on readymade garment exports as they strictly follow the international labour laws in the country.

Antony J Blinken, Secretary of the US Department of State, on Thursday said those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labour rights defenders and labour organisations will be held accountable.

The State Secretary made the statement during the Rollout of the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally.

During his speech, Blinken said this is not simply a domestic issue; it is a matter of national security, a matter of foreign policy of the US.

Md Shahidullah Azim, Vice-President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), told The New Nation on Friday, “The warning will not fall any impact on apparel export as we strictly follow labour law set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in producing apparel goods.”

Our labour related activities have been audited by the ILO on a regular basis, he added.