Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association president Atiqul Islam on Friday termed the US decision suspending GSP facilities for Bangladesh was
an outcome of international political conspiracy.
‘Though the US suspended the GSP facilities on the ground of poor labour condition, the labour issue was the 7th number of queries in the post hearing questionnaire of the United States Trade Representative,’ Atiqul told a meet the reporters at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in the city.
He said that the US decision was not based on labour condition but political as their first and second queries were about the progress of the Aminul Islam murder case and the cases which were filed against labour leaders Babul Akter and Kalpana Akter.
‘Why they did not ask the question over labour condition first? Why the queries about labour rights were at the tale of the list,’ Atiq questioned.
BGMEA president said after the Tazreen Fashions fire the government prepared a tripartite national action plan to ensure workplace safety and the garment sector improved its condition.
The US has taken the decision at a time when Bangladesh is trying its best to improve the working condition and ensure labour rights in the factories, he said.
In the last 10 years the garment sector brought significant change in the working condition and labour rights, Atiq said.
He said that an amendment to the labour laws was in the process to create environment for the Better Works Programme of International Labour Organisation. ‘Besides, a good number of trade unions have been registered and minimum wage board has been formed for the garment workers.’
Urging the USA to restore the GSP facilities, Atiq said the US administration imposed restriction on duty free export from Bangladesh. Bangladesh paid $750 million a year as duty for the access to the US market, he said.
He said there was a huge potential of mid-end and high-end products and Bangladesh wanted to go to the market.
‘Rana Plaza disaster held back the RMG sector when we were taking preparation to produce suite and jacket,’ Atiq said.
‘GSP is a big challenge for Bangladesh and the EU assured us of not following the USA regarding the GSP facilities,’ BGMEA president said.
He said the political parties both from position and opposition should come up to protect the interest of the country because Bangladesh has competitors in the sector.
DRU president Shahed Chowdhury and joint secretary Elias Hossain also spoke on the occasion.
-With New Age input
