US Congressmen Sander M Levin and George Miller have urged the government of Bangladesh to improve conditions for the country’s workers saying there has been ‘insufficient’ progress in many areas, especially with regard to freedom of association.
Levin, ranking member, committee on Ways and Means Workforce and Miller Senior Democratic Member, Committee on Education and the Workforce, sent a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on April 23 outlining specific labour issues that have yet to be addressed by the Bangladesh government.
They also brought Bangladeshi government’s attention to numerous labour issues that still require action.
“We believe it’s critical for the government of Bangladesh to take stronger steps to fully implement the Bangladesh Action Plan that was issued as a roadmap for reinstating trade benefits,” the letter reads.
They said the government of Bangladesh has taken some steps, but there has been insufficient progress in many areas.
Issues related to union registration and protection, labour law reform, Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and labour leader Aminul Islam case were highlighted in the lengthy letter.
They urged the government to reopen the investigation regarding labour leader Aminul Islam murder case and ensure that a transparent and independent investigator is appointed and mentioned that the in absentia trial of Mustafizur Rahman is ‘not satisfactory’.
“The investigator should consider all available evidence related to the murder of Aminul Islam, including evidence concerning who planned the crime,” the letter further reads.
It says with the registration of many new unions, Bangladesh is at a crucial juncture and laid emphasis on addressing the unmet conditions in the coming months to ensure that the potential benefits from new union registrants can actually be realised by Bangladeshi workers.
“We look forward to working with the government of Bangladesh to achieve full implementation of the Action Plan and continued and sustained progress with regard to workers’ rights, as this will allow us to support the reinstatement of GSP benefits,” the letter concludes.
Source: UNB Connect
