In a recent roundtable discussion at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Mohammad Hatem, the executive president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), criticized the United States for considering trade sanctions on Bangladesh regarding labor rights issues.
Hatem argued that any concerns should be addressed diplomatically rather than through punitive economic measures. He highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to international labor standards, emphasizing the nation’s endorsement of all eight core fundamental conventions on workers’ rights, in contrast to the limited endorsements by influential nations like the US, China, India, and Vietnam.
Hatem questioned the moral standing of the US in discussing labor rights, pointing out the differing levels of commitment between Bangladesh and the mentioned nations. He pledged the support of entrepreneurs to the government in dealing with any potential political actions but stressed that there is no justification for trade sanctions.
The president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Faruque Hassan, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Bangladesh’s adherence to labor laws and expressing concern over the impact of potential sanctions on the industry.
Faruque Hassan addressed a letter from eight US Congress members urging apparel and footwear importers to raise clothing prices due to the recent 56% increase in wages in Bangladesh. He asserted that adjustments to product prices should be the responsibility of buyers. Despite concerns about the global economic situation and inflation, Hassan expressed confidence in maintaining positive export growth and emphasized the industry’s commitment to a $100 billion export target.
Engineer Md Shafiqur Rahman, president of the Institution of Textile Engineers and Technologists, highlighted the significant progress in the apparel industry since the Rana Plaza collapse, emphasizing improved labor rights and the industry’s positive trajectory.
The roundtable discussion was presided over by Shyamal Dutta, general secretary of the National Press Club, and featured insights from various industry leaders, including Dhaka University professors, business executives, and the general secretary of the Bangladesh National Garments Sramik-Karmachari League, Ruksana Akhter.
