The recent remarks made by two ministers and BGMEA leaders have sparked strong reactions from the western retailers' groups - the Accord and the Alliance.
Steering committee members of the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh in a letter to the commerce and labour ministers have expressed their resentment, saying such remarks could be considered as a threat to the rights and safety of the trade union activists, including members of IBC (IndustriAll Bangladesh Council).
On the other hand, the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety in a separate statement published on its website Monday, termed the BGMEA president's remarks, which publicly questioned the motives behind the letter about the torture of Bangladeshi workers and suggested legal action against its author, 'inflammatory' and 'unacceptable'.
However, both the platforms sought the government's support for achieving a real and lasting change in the country's ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
The Accord in the letter said: "We are particularly concerned with comments that could be considered as threatening to our IBC colleagues, made by the state minister at an ILO event in late May, and comments, made by the commerce minister at two separate press briefings."
"We are concerned that negative references made about the trade union work, including work of the Accord, of IndustriAll/ labour colleagues Nazrul Islam Khan, Roy Ramesh, Babul Akhter, Amirul Haque Amin and Kalpona Akhter in the above referenced speeches that unfairly condemn their legitimate work, inaccurately cast them as working against their country, and place their safety at risk," it said.
The BGMEA president's demands for prosecution of the NGWF leader for his trade union activities in presence of the commerce minister also raised serious additional concerns regarding the rights and safety of IBC leaders, it added.
The Accord's steering committee requested the senior representatives of Bangladesh government to support the work of trade unions, which was internationally recognised and protected by law and international standards, and refrain from comments which could be considered threatening or which could add to an environment where union members, staff or officers might feel fear and concern for their safety.
The Alliance in its statement said: "As an organisation that is deeply committed and supporting workers in the Bangladesh garment industry, Alliance finds Mr Islam's remarks inflammatory and unacceptable."
"While we not condone Mr Islam's remarks or those of any public or private official expressing similar sentiments - we do know that partnership with a broad group of stakeholders, including garment manufacturers, is necessary for achieving real and lasting change in Bangladesh."
The statement also adds: "We are pleased to see Mr Islam's apology, which restated BGMEA's intolerance for worker intimidation and reflected regret for the gravity of his statements."
The BGMEA president in a letter to the US Congressman George Miller, also available on the Alliance website, said, "The comment I made to the press was meant for affirmative action in that context, and the need for all to realise that our government is strongly supportive of protecting workers' rights. I deeply regret any misunderstanding that may have been caused."
