The visiting United States labour delegation on Monday appreciated the progress achieved by the Bangladesh interim government on its labour reforms agenda.
It also expressed Washington鈥檚 full support for the reform initiatives and reiterated the willingness of the US to collaborate with the interim government in implementing the remaining labour reform agenda.
These were revealed while the tripartite delegation, led by the US Department of State鈥檚 special representative for International Labour Affairs Kelly M Fay Rodrigues met with foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the foreign ministry in Dhaka.
Fay was accompanied by deputy undersecretary of the US Department of Labour Thea Lee, and the Charg茅 d鈥橝ffaires of the US Embassy, as well as other government officials and representatives from labour organisations - UNI Global Union and the Worker Rights Consortium and the private sector like GAP Inc PBH and VF Corporation.
During the meeting, the delegation also appreciated the 18-point agreement and particularly praised the interim government鈥檚 initiative to bring together the owners and the employees, thereby giving the workers a chance to be heard.
Representatives from global fashion brands emphasised the importance of fair wage-setting and developing skilled labor to capture the global market for high-end products.
The foreign secretary emphasised that labour reform is one of the top priorities of chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
He highlighted several reform initiatives taken by the interim government including- agreement on 18-point demands, revision of the Bangladesh Labour Act, establishment of a High-Powered Commission on Labor, and formation of a minimum wage review committee.
The foreign secretary reaffirmed Bangladesh鈥檚 commitment to implementing the ILO Roadmap and the labour action plans proposed by the US administration in a phased manner.
He thanked the delegation for visiting and reiterated the government鈥檚 commitment about working together in the coming days.
The purpose of the US delegation visit was to express their support for Bangladesh鈥檚 ready-made garments industry, understanding the challenges the Bangladeshi economy is currently facing and review the progress of labour reforms undertaken by the interim government.