Mohammad Ziauddin has urged the US administration to restore GSP facilities for Bangladesh and allow duty and quota-free access to the American market, recognising progress being made in ensuring workers’ rights and safety. The Ambassador made the request during a meeting with US Senator Christopher S Murphy (D-Connecticut), also a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, at the Capitol Hill on Tuesday, reports UNB. During the meeting, they discussed a wide range of issues, including restoration of GSP as well as the current political situation in Bangladesh. The Ambassador noted Bangladesh as an LDC does not enjoy any ‘special or differential’ treatment from the US in terms of trade while preferential treatment being enjoyed by the trans-pacific partners might chip away the competitive edge of the country like Bangladesh in the US market. Ziauddin said Bangladesh apparels are subject to high tariff in the USA as opposed to zero tariff to almost all other developed countries in the world. He added Bangladesh likes to face the challenges in the RMG and other areas through a sustained and deepened partnership with the United States. The Ambassador mentioned that Bangladesh had been steadily implementing its commitments and suggestions by the USA, the EU and other development partners. He said the present government conducted reforms in the EPZs, including registration of Workers Welfare Association (WWA) and access to the labour courts and appellate tribunals. Mr Ziauddin said it is now widely being acknowledged that a significant progress has already been made in worker’s rights and safety. “This manifests a changing approach and mindset in governing affairs. It still remains a continuous process, and the government and the people of Bangladesh are committed to making apparels a clean, dignified and productive sector and thus offering a win-win proposition for all,” he said. Senator Murphy, who previously served in the House of Representatives (2007 to 2013), pledged to look into Bangladesh’s concern by examining the country’s labour situation for the GSP restoration. The Ambassador said Dhaka enjoys “excellent” relations with Washington The multifaceted engagements between the two countries turned the relationship into a reliable partnership with the objectives of democracy, promotion of human rights, counter-terrorism, anti-corruption and transparency, he noted. He said both the countries are meeting regularly on the premises of partnership dialogue, security dialogue and TICFA. Press Minister Shamim Ahmad and Political Counselor Nayem Uddin Ahmed were present at the meeting.
