Following the recent fires and building collapse at factories in Bangladesh, Members of European Parliament on Thursday called for justice for victims and EU action to prevent similar events in future. The Parliament recalls in the resolution adopted on Thursday that Bangladesh benefits from duty and quota-free access to the EU market and that these preferences can be withdrawn in the event of serious and systematic violations of the principles set out in different human rights conventions.
The MEPs call on the Commission to investigate Bangladesh’s compliance with these conventions and they expect an investigation to be considered if Bangladesh is found to be in serious and systematic violation of the principles laid down in these conventions.
The resolution insists that those responsible for the collapse of the Rana Plaza, the Tazreen factory fire or any other fire should be brought to justice, that the victims should have full access to the justice system, and that a financial compensation plan should be established.
MEPs recognise the importance of the recently finalised Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh between the trade unions, NGOs and some 40 multinational textile retailers and call on all other relevant textile brands to support this effort.
The action plan adopted in early May with a view to reforming the labour laws is also a welcome measure, say MEPs. However, they want the government and the relevant judicial authorities to investigate allegations that the national building regulations were not implemented due to collusion between corrupt officials and landlords seeking to reduce their costs.
They urged the European Commission to promote responsible business conduct among EU companies operating abroad and ensure strict compliance with all legal obligations in the areas of human rights, labour and the environment, said a press statement posted on the website of the European Parliament.
The day’s development came when a review process on the continuation of the GSP facilities for Bangladeshi products in the US market is underway in Washington. A reviewing committee, which held hearing on Bangladesh’s eligibility of GSP in March, is scheduled to submit its recommendations to the US President at the end of this month.
Quoting different sources in Washington, officials concerned in Dhaka have told The Independent that things are not looking good in terms of the continuation of GSP.
Meanwhile, against the bleak prospect of GSP in the US market, Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni is going to Brussels at the end of this month to apprise the EU of the steps taken by the government to improve labour rights and workplace safety.
“The Foreign Minister will leave Dhaka for Brussels either on May 26 or 27 to discuss the labour issues at the EU headquarters,” an official concerned told The Independent on Thursday evening. Among others, she is scheduled to meet EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht during her visit.
The European Union is the biggest export destination for Bangladesh and all Bangladeshi products enjoy duty free and quota free access to the EU market. Bangladesh exports over $10 billion worth products to the EU market.
“We are trying to engage with all the foreign stakeholders apprising them of the government initiatives that have been taken, are being taken and will be taken in future for ensuring better working condition and workers’ safety in the workplaces,” the official said.
Following the collapse of Rana Plaza, which killed over 1,100 people, Bangladesh came under the international spotlight over labour safety.
-With The Independent input
