Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Siddiqur Rahman on Friday said, the EU delegation has expressed satisfaction over safety standards and workers’ mandatory participation in committee and safety committee in factory. “We are committed to protect the interests of the workers as the BGMEA is made for it”, said Rahman at a joint press briefing at BGMEA office in the city after a meeting with European Union delegation team. European Union delegation led by Jean Lambert met the BGMEA leaders to inquire about the latest status of safety standards and workers’ rights in the country’s RMG sector. Head of European Union delegation Jean Lambert said they are closely monitoring the progress of workplace safety in the RMG factories of Bangladesh. We recognise the sector as an important industry for European Union, she added. “EU feels that brands buy from manufacturers in Bangladesh, who have an important role to play in making sure that they are buying from reputable factories, manufacturers and the consumers should feel confident when they buy these goods,” she said. “if it is made in good condition in terms of safe workplace and workers are paid reasonable rates for the jobs, it is indeed helping future prosperity and wellbeing of the country”, Lambert added. Citing the example of two tragic incidents of Rana Plaza and Tazreen Fashion Fire, she said that inspection in factories are done, remediation plans in place are helping them to get a clear scenario of the Bangladesh’s RMG industry. “The remediation has started in a considerable number of factories and we know that most dangerous factories are closed. We have some ongoing concerns on factories that remain closed”, Lambert said. Delegation head also mentioned that they placed questions to the government to know about the workers’ rights in export processing zones and something they will be looking because the social partnership manufacturers working with the workers that is going to give a sustainability. Other member of the European Delegation include Ivan STEFANEC, Head of EU Delegation Ambassador Pierre MAYAUDON, Minister Counsellor, Head of Political, Economic, Trade, Frederic MADURAUD, Minister Counsellor, Head of Cooperation, Abu Syed BELAL, Trade Advisor, Mario RONCONI, European Parliament officials Kristin ARP and Nekane AZPIRI LEJARDI.
