Sammilita Garment Sramik Federation urged the interim government to engage in diplomatic talks with the US over the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, emphasising the need for an acceptable solution to prevent negative impacts of the tariff on workers.
In a statement signed by the federation president Nazma Akter and general secretary Khadiza Akter on Sunday, it urged the government to implement urgent social security measures and alternative employment solutions to safeguard the interests of workers.
The labour rights platform expressed concern over the recent 37 per cent increase in tariffs on Bangladeshi products by the US government, describing it as worrying for the country.
The trade union leaders also called on the American government to reconsider the increased tariff and show a cooperative attitude to save the Bangladesh garment industry and its workers.
The statement mentioned that buyers also have an important role to play in ensuring that the impact of the US tariffs would not affect workers’ wages.
The federation’s statement highlighted that Bangladesh heavily relied on the readymade garment sector for foreign exchange earnings, with over four million workers — predominantly women — employed in the sector, which remained the backbone of the economy amid a lack of alternative employment opportunities for women.
The federation said that the high tariff might force many Bangladeshi garment exporters to withdraw from the US market ultimately impacting women employment.
The statement reminded global brands and buyers of their responsibility, saying that they must play a crucial role in addressing the issue, as the lives and livelihoods of workers could be at significant risk and uncertainty.