Bangladesh foreign minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali has urged the western buyers to pay little bit more for Bangladeshi products. The minister said this while speaking to a visiting Parliamentary delegation of Germany. The delegation comprising five members of the Committee on Labour and Social Affairs of the German Bundestag (i.e. Parliament) visited Bangladesh from 22 to 26 August as part of their tour to Asia (Indonesia and Bangladesh). The delegation visited several factories in Dhaka and surrounding areas and exchanged views with relevant stakeholders. During the meeting, Mahmood Ali apprised the delegates on how Bangladesh is marching forward despite having political challenges and other difficulties, an official press release said. The minister also briefed the delegation about necessary measures taken by both the government and the factory owners for the safety and security of the workers in the readymade garments (RMG) industry in Bangladesh, including other initiatives like activities of Accord/Alliance that have been undertaken and implemented throughout this industry. In response to queries made by the delegation members, the minister mentioned that the Government of Bangladesh has increased the wages of the workers employed in RMG industry almost by 250 percent in past few years. In this connection he strongly urged the western buyers to pay little bit more for Bangladeshi products so that the owners can take additional measures to enhancing safety and welfare of the labours.
