USAmbassador to Dhaka Dan Mozena has said the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) facility is a privilege, not a right and it is linked with certain conditions.
He made the remarks on Tuesday in an online chat on Facebook while replying to various queries about the readymade garment sector and the GSP.
Mozena said: “Effective unions are keys to ensuring workers’ rights and the benefits that you cite. I hope Bangladesh’s GSP privileges can be restored as Bangladeshfulfils the labour and workplace safety conditions that are conditions for GSP.”
Citing background, he said in 2007 the AFL-CIO, the largest American labour federation, filed a petition asserting that Bangladeshdid not fulfil the conditions regarding respect for workers’ rights and, therefore, did not qualify for GSP benefit.
“The President [Barack Obama] concurred with these points raised in the petition and, therefore, suspended Bangladesh’s GSP privilege,” said the envoy.
“The key to improving the apparel sector lies in respecting workers’ rights and in owners upgrading their factories so they pollute less and are more efficient,” he added.
He, however, said: “I am working now with the GOB [government of Bangladesh] and the BGMEA to identify steps needed so Bangladeshcan regain GSP benefits.”
He said the government, owners and workers must be serious in safeguarding the workers’ interests if Bangladeshwas to become the world’s largest exporter of readymade garments and household textiles, replacing China.
“I believe all workers have the right to work in clean and safe conditions and to receive fair wages in exchange for good work. Real unions are keys for achieving these qualities,” said Mozena.