Transformation in BD RMG sector satisfactory: Biswal

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal expressed satisfaction over the transformation in the apparel sector of Bangladesh after the Rana Plaza tragedy.          

She called for more hard work, particularly in the export-processing zones (EPZs) for building a strong US-Bangladesh partnership in this regard and other important matters.

About the stand of the United States on the January 5 polls in Bangladesh, Nisha Biswal said the US continues to advocate for strong, inclusive democracy in the country.

"EPZ also must come under legislation so that they are meeting the same standard worker safety and worker rights," she said, offering the United States' partnership in this regard.

The US Assistant Secretary was speaking at a press conference Saturday at the American Club at the end of her second visit to Bangladesh. Outgoing US Ambassador Dan W Mozena and the Press Officer of the US Embassy were also present.

She noted the progress made in the readymade garment sector is resulting from the efforts by government, industry, labour, civil society and international community after the Rana Plaza tragedy.

Terming this progress 'remarkable', Biswal, however, focused on doing more hard work to establish regulatory agencies with the capacity to carry out the work of inspection and implementing the laws.

"If Bangladesh can overcome these challenges, we are committed to partnering with the country in this process. This will be a remarkable story of transformation; this will be a remarkable story of success born out of tragedy. We can say the loss of lives not in vain that in fact galvanize action in a way never before seen, and that is the story we want to unfold in Bangladesh, in the readymade garment sector."

Referring to a question on retaining the GSP facility, the US assistant sectary expressed her ignorance in this regard as it is dealt by US trade representative office but said despite good progress in the apparel sector, additional measurer needs to be taken.

The US Assistant Secretary of South and Central Asian Affairs arrived here Thursday on a three-day visit after attending the SAARC summit in Nepal.

During her visit, she met with the government officials, opposition leaders, civil society members and labour communities and visited the BIPSOT to see for herself the training of the peacekeepers.