BGMEA president Atiqul Islam has demanded punishment of some leaders of the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF) affiliated with IndustriAll Bangladesh Council is tarnishing the image of the country’s apparel industry through providing baseless information to the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
He came up with the demand yesterday while addressing an award giving ceremony titled “BGMEA-BUFT Journalism Fellowship 2014 Award” held at BGMEA Complex in the capital.
“We are demanding exemplary punishment for them as they, being the leader of the federation, are harming the country’s image abroad, raising false allegations on the harassment of trade union leaders in RMG sector,” said Islam.
“As this type of act is subversive to the state, we are demanding punishment for those who sent the letter to the US Senators and they should be brought under trial as per the law of the land.”
The letter sent to the US senator, claimed that labour leaders are brutally assaulted by musclemen for their attempt to organise union.
“It is very unfortunate for us! When we are working from every corner for the development of the RMG sector, a vested quarter is engaged in negative campaign against Bangladesh apparel industry,” said commerce minister Tofail Ahmed while addressing the ceremony as chief gust.
“Bangladesh RMG sector has been developed remarkably, it’s a miracle,” said Tofail quoting George Miller, a senior democratic member of the US.
The minister also brought the same allegation that a group had been hatching a conspiracy home and abroad just to hinder the development of this sector, being jealous by the progress so far made in the RMG industry.
Tofail showed a copy of the letter, which was sent to the USTR written on a letter head pad bearing logo of IndustriAll, and the letter was signed by Amirul Islam Amin, president of NGWF.
Speaking as special guest, vice chancellor of Dhaka University AAMS Arefin Siddique urged the apparel makers to provide all sort of information to the journalists as mass media, being power full tools, can also help develop the RMG sector as well the country.
The BGMEA and BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) jointly awarded the fellowship to six journalists from print, online and electronic media, for their outstanding work and contribution in the apparel sector.