Pledging to work with Bangladesh on the measures needed to restore its GSP privileges, the United States has described the suspension of GSP benefits for Bangladeshi products as a moment of opportunity for Dhaka to take action to improve labour and safety standards. “Let me note that the United States believes this moment presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to take action to improve labour and safety standards,” Kelly McCarthy, press and information officer at the US Embassy in Dhaka, told The Independent, on Friday, when comments were sought about the suspension of GSP benefits. “Suspension of GSP and subsequent actions to restore GSP privileges could be the first step in a process that
would make Bangladesh a preferred brand, a source where workers’ rights to freely associate and organise are respected, a source where factories maintain fire safety standards, a source where factories are structurally sound. Bangladesh, as a preferred brand, could become the number one exporter of RMG, knitwear, and household textiles in the world, replacing China,” she said.
“The United States will work with Bangladesh on the steps needed to restore its GSP privileges,” she added.
McCarthy further said, “We are hopeful that the Bangladesh government will take additional, substantive actions to improve workers’ safety and workers’ rights, including the right to freely associate and engage in collective bargaining. Such actions would allow workers to more effectively negotiate improved working conditions and wages, and help Bangladesh realise its
full economic and trade potential.”
“Successfully addressing these underlying labour rights and workplace safety issues would help ensure that there is never again another Tazreen Fashions fire or Rana Plaza collapse, which would destroy the RMG industry in Bangladesh,” she said, adding, “The United States and other key stakeholders will continue to support Bangladesh’s efforts to improve working conditions, workplace safety, and labour rights.”
-With The Independent input
