Terming most of the Bangladeshi readymade garment (RMG) factories compliant, British High Commissioner in Dhaka Robert Gibson on Thursday said his country is "sincerely" looking into the matter so that workers are not affected from the factory shutdown.
"Most of the RMG factories in Bangladesh are compliant; only a few faulty factories were shut down … we are looking into the matter so that workers are not affected from the factory closure," he said.
He was addressing a function of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association¸ Bangladesh held at the National Press Club Press Club in the city.
The UK envoy expressed his satisfaction over the progress made in the readymade garment industry, saying: "We've worked together and try to ensure that the garment sector continues to flourish."
"RMG sector is good for Bangladesh. We want it to be a success but not at the expense of human lives," he said referring to the recent factory accidents.
He said he is not disappointed with Bangladesh's future despite a one-sided election on January 5. "Bangladesh has a very great future lying ahead," he said.
He expressed the hope that all political parties in Bangladesh must work together to strengthen democratic accountability, and laid emphasis on taking 'confidence-building measures' before holding a future election.
"The imperative now is for all parties to work together…try and break the five-year cycle of electoral violence and instability," he said.
He reminded of the Commonwealth Treaty that ensures member countries practicing the rule of law and respect of human rights.
The High Commissioner encouraged all to start confidence-building measures before the new election takes place so that most people in Bangladesh have a chance to exercise their democratic rights.
In his written speech, the UK envoy said they value human rights and every one suffers where human rights abuses go unchecked.
"We'll never turn a blind eye to countries which display the trappings of democracy while violating basic human rights," he said.
Responding to the question on human rights, abduction, and extra-judicial killings, Mr Gibson said when human rights is abused it is essential for the government to "quickly" and "transparently" investigate those cases to make sure that such abuses do not recur.
"We'll not overlook human rights abuses wherever they take place."
Asked whether the Bangladesh Prime Minister will be invited soon to visit UK, he said, "No, not at this moment. May be (in future), but not at this moment."
When asked, the High Commissioner declined to comment on BNP 1st vice chairman Tarique Rahman's citizenship status.
The British High Commissioner said journalists in Bangladesh must be allowed to express themselves freely and safely and within international standards. Intimidating journalists does not create stability or make grievances go away.
"A free press is essential to a flourishing democracy, to innovation and creativity, and to a stable and inclusive society. Actions that undermine or restrict freedom of expression and the media threaten all of those things," he said.
"I strongly believe that people and the press must be allowed to freely discuss and debate issues…. They must be allowed to challenge their governments," he added.
DCAB President Mainul Alam chaired the function, where its General Secretary Angur Nahar Monty was also present.
