Actions against RMG to hamper livelihoods of millions: BGMEA

Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) urged the global community not to take any measures that hamper the apparel industry as it ultimately threatens the livelihoods of millions.

The BGMEA President Faruque Hassan made the call in a letter issued on Sunday.

In the letter, Hassan said, “The RMG industry in Bangladesh is under significant global spotlight since the unfortunate building collapse in 2013.

Since then, there has been a paradigm shift in workplace safety and workers wellbeing.”

“The global trade landscape is changing fast. The Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues are getting increased priorities, as well as the geo-political issues are also affecting trade,” he added.

“The recent labor unrest centering the minimum wage issues has brought global attention to us once again.

Despite all our efforts and commitment to the workers, the positive initiatives beyond law by the factories for the wellbeing of their workers, and despite the fact that the minimum wages increased by more than six times since 2010, the illegal strikes and protests cannot be justified, and the violence can never be supported,” he said.

“We cry for responsible business all the time and for a ‘fair and equitable share of the value chain’, yet the impact of such violent activities – be it the damages of our business and property, be it our reputation, or be it the global pressure against unfair labor practices – have lasting impact on the industry,” the BGMEA president added.

“You are certainly aware that our major trade partners and the European Commission are monitoring the labor standards in Bangladesh and they have already visited Bangladesh.

The government has also pledged to implement a labor roadmap and make all the efforts to implement it including amendment of labor act and rules, in coordination and consultation with multilateral stakeholders including ILO,” he said.