EU concerned over RMG workplace safety

The visiting European Union (EU) parliamentary delegation expressed its deep concern over the state of workplace safety in Bangladesh's apparel industry.
"The EU and a lot of people who vote for us and who might vote for us have really been very concerned about the need to ensure safety of people working in the industry," leader of the 10-member delegation Jean Lambert Monday told the media after a meeting with Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed.
Ms Jean, who is also the Chair of the Delegation for Relations with South Asia of the European Parliament, also said the delegation had discussed a number of issues, including the readymade garment (RMG) sector, during the meeting.
 "So, we've been talking about the progress is being made by Bangladesh so far and I hope we'll make certain announcement in the next few days regarding the issue," she said, adding that Bangladesh has certainly made some progress.
She said they have some messages to take home for some EU countries and companies as to whether they have signed up in terms of compensation to victims of the Rana Plaza tragedy or whether the EU companies have signed the accord but are not delivering.
"We should go back and make it clear to them that they've obligation and they need to be doing their part because if they don't, there are a lot of people who would make it clear to their customers. They should not be supporting their firms that cannot play their part in CSR (corporate social responsibility)," she said.
Talking about the issue, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said his government has taken all the possible measures to reform the RMG industry.
 "And I hope that the visiting EU delegation will be satisfied with the progress," he said, adding that the EU is the most important market for Bangladeshi products.
Earlier, the EU delegation also sat in another meeting at the State Guest House Padma where she assured the Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali that the EU would continue to work closely with the government of Bangladesh.
The parliamentary delegation from the EU also discussed issues like Rohingya refugees, human rights and current political situation.    
Thanking the EU for its continued support in providing duty and quota-free access for the LDCs including Bangladesh in the EU market under its EBA arrangement, the Foreign Minister acknowledged the EU's support in improving work environment in the RMG sector in Bangladesh.
The Foreign Minister also apprised the delegation of the efforts of the government to achieve a safe and friendly work environment in the sector.
He also stressed that the buyers should also consider fair prices of products so that it could enable the exporters to improve work environment and raise the wages further.