Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Mohammad Ziauddin has urged the American administration to restore Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) facilities for Bangladesh and allow duty free quota free access to the American market recognizing massive progress in workers’ rights and safety. The Ambassador made the request during a meeting with US Senator Christopher S. Murphy at the Capitol Hill this week, the Bangladesh embassy said in a statement. Murphy is also a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The Ambassador noted that Bangladesh as a LDC does not enjoy any “special or deferential” treatment from the US in terms of trade while preferential treatments 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 that Bangladesh likes to face the challenges in the readymade garments (RMG) and other areas through a sustained and deep partnership with the US. The Ambassador mentioned that Bangladesh has been steadily implementing its commitments and suggestions by the USA, EU and other development partners. He said the present government did enormous reforms in the EPZs including the registration of Workers Welfare Association (WWA) and access to the labour courts and appellate tribunals. 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 RMG a clean, dignified and productive sector and thus offering a win-win proposition for all. Senator Murphy who previously served in the House of Representatives (2007 to 2013) assured that he would look into Bangladesh’s concern by examining the country’s labour situation for restoration of the GSP.
