Canada concerned at risky working condition

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FE Report Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Heather Cruden expressed concern Saturday over the dangerous working condition in the apparel sector. She said that the country may face a potential threat on its way to social and economic progress due to the recent tragedy and political unrest. She also said the current political instability combined with the consumer reactions in Western countries is causing some companies to question whether they should move out of the country which could be very damaging for Bangladesh. "Many of us are very concerned that the impressive gains which Bangladesh has made in social and economic development could be threatened by the recent tragedy and the current political unrest," said Heather Cruden. Ms Cruden was speaking at the launching programme of a book on corporate social responsibility (CSR) titled 'International Standard Social Responsibility - Implementing ISO 26000 in Bangladesh' at the Canadian Club in the city. Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Atiur Rahman was present as the chief guest at the programme. The event was organised by the High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh and Canada-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CanCham). Ms Cruden said Bangladesh has made extremely strong progress in achieving the MDGs (millennium development goals) which can be partly attributed to the robust GDP (gross domestic product) growth based in large part on the RMG (ready-made garment) sector. "Like many other countries Canada remains concerned about the dangerous working conditions in the RMG sector, as evidenced recently by terrible tragedies such as the factory collapse in Savar and the deadly fire at Tazreen Fashions factory," she said. "We stress the importance for all governments to take concrete measures to promote occupational safety, aiming to provide workers with safe and healthy working conditions," said the envoy. She said Canada expects all of its trading partners to ensure safe working conditions consistent with international standards, adding: Bangladesh is having a crisis of reputation and it is not just the repute that is at stake but there are serious issues which should be addressed by all parties involved. "It is not just the recent tragedy that has had a chilling effect. It is also the political violence and continuing volatility," she said. She called upon the government and opposition parties to clearly and publicly reject political violence. "We call on them to engage one another meaningfully and constructively to address ongoing political issues and to ensure that the upcoming general election is free, fair and transparent," said Ms Cruden. She said Canada believes that Bangladeshi people care for each other and it was evidenced by people's response to Rana Plaza disaster. "It is also evidenced by the fact that CSR is already being applied in many sectors….The fact that CSR is already practiced is a beacon of light in Bangladesh," Ms Cruden said. Speaking on the occasion the BB governor said the book will inspire companies operating in Bangladesh to develop and implement socially responsible businesses. "Bangladesh Bank has been pursuing instilling socially responsible business ethos in financial institutions by mainstreaming CSR in their corporate goals and objectives, guiding them into in-house and community-based CSR engagements," said Mr Rahman. He said banks and financial sector institutions in Bangladesh are maintaining generally benign and safe working environment. The latest available data show that direct CSR expenditure of all banks increased by 5.5 times to Tk 3,046.7 million in 2012 from Tk 553.8 million in 2009.