Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed Tuesday called upon owners and workers to remain alert against any conspiracy to foil the success of the country's readymade garment (RMG) sector.
Pointing to some quarters, who are not cordially taking the RMG sector's success in the global arena, he directed the owners to be caring to the workers and ensure their rights.
The huge industry has not developed in a day. Everyone has to play a responsible role to ensure its sustainability and progress, he added.
The minister was speaking as the chair of the 24th meeting of the Social Compliance Forum at the ministry.
State minister for labour and employment Mujibul Haq Chunnu, president of Jatiya Sramik Jote Shirin Akter MP, commerce secretary Mahbub Ahmed, labour secretary Mikhail Shipper, and representatives from Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), International Labour Organisation (ILO), Rajdhani Unnayan Kortripokkho (RAJUK) and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) were present in the meeting.
Tofail Ahmed highlighted the export growth of Bangladeshi apparel despite various difficulties over the last eight months.
The minister said Bangladesh manufactures RMG products at much lower prices than any other country, which has made its products competitive in the world market.
He also said the government has taken various effective initiatives to put the RMG sector on a firm footing. The South American countries have started providing GSP facility to Bangladesh.
Besides, Bangladesh has fulfilled most of the 16 conditions, given by the US, to regain the suspended GSP facility.
The government will complete appointment of 200 factory inspectors by this month, prepare workers' database, and amend the EPZ law to make it time befitting for the workers.
Duty-free import facility will be provided for fire safety doors to prevent fire incidents in RMG units.
The government has allotted 500 acres of land at Baushia in Munshiganj to set up a garment village, for which Tk 8.0 billion is required. The Chinese government has shown interest to invest in the project.
