Govt high-ups, others to review RMG compliance Tuesday

Several ministers and secretaries of the government will review the compliance situation in the readymade garment (RMG) industry next week aiming at revival of the GSP (generalised system of preferences) facility in the US market, officials said.

They will evaluate the progresses made in the implementation of compliance requirements in line with the buyers' demand, and work out the possible measures to successfully handle the situation after fire and other incidents that might take place at the garment factories.

"Our main target is to fulfil the compliance requirements so that the United States administration agrees to revive the GSP facility for Bangladeshi products in its market.  We are doing all they want," a senior commerce ministry official told the FE.

He said the US and other buyers want a favourable working condition for workers at the factories. They want to see that the workers are allowed to be united to raise voice and press their demands.

According to him, the high-ups will sit on Tuesday next for the 24th meeting of the 'Social Compliance Forum for RMG' with commerce minister Tofail Ahmed in the chair. Several ministers and secretaries, heads of various government departments, factory owners, and local and international labour leaders will attend the meeting.

"Remarkable progresses have been made in the various fields to ensure compliance at RMG factories. A good number of inspectors were appointed and more appointments are underway to check workplace safety condition," another senior trade official said.

He said labour rights and workers' welfare are major concern for Western nations. "That's why we have to ensure these to enjoy the facilities in their markets."

Following the fire at Tazreen Fashions factory and Rana Plaza building collapse, which killed scores of apparel factory workers, the US administration suspended the GSP facility for Bangladeshi products in its market in July last year citing labour rights violations and poor working conditions.

After that it forwarded an Action Plan to the government of Bangladesh for implementation to improve working condition, state of workplace safety and labour welfare at the factories.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed Thursday said most of the conditions set by the US Action Plan, including the creation of a database and recruitment of 200 inspectors, would be met by March.

He said out of the 16 conditions, some will take time for their fulfilment. "But recruitment of the inspectors and establishment of database will be over by this month aiming at restoration of the GSP facility in the US market."

Another trade official said proper implementation of the recently announced wages for RMG workers has also become a matter of concern for the government as many factories have failed to pay the hiked-up wages.

Quoting an intelligence report, he said even in January this year many factories did not pay the increased wages, which is feared to trigger labour unrest in the industrial zones.