The government will review progresses on labour rights, workers’ health and safety – issues that US President Barack Obama cited in his letter of suspension of Bangladesh’s trade benefits under the generalised system of preferences (GSP).
Commerce Secretary Mahbub Ahmed will have a review meeting with the stakeholders on September 19, said a senior official at the ministry.
The commerce secretary on Sunday told the Dhaka Tribune that the government had already taken initiatives to convince the US government to withdraw the GSP suspension.As per the initiatives,the number of factory inspectors has been increased along with amending the labour law. “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be informed of the progress in labour standards,” Mahbub said.
The government is now working on executing the 16-point USTR action plan through inspections of the standards of labour, fire and building, and the RMG, export processing zone and shrimp sectors.
An international working group will be formed to introduce the labour law in the export processing zones under the action plan andthe government will lift the restrictions on registration of two NGOs – BangladeshCentre for Woman Solidarity, and Social Activatefor the Environment – working on implementing the labour standards.
Besides, the registration of trade unions will begin soon, according to the commerce ministry information.