A delegation from Oxfam comprising members from Oxfam Australia and Canada met with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka on Thursday.
The delegation members included Nayeem Emran, Economic Justice Advisor, Oxfam Australia; Bella McMahon, Policy Advocacy and Campaigns Support Officer, Oxfam Australia; Mwangala Matakala, Campaigns and Outreach Officer, Oxfam Canada; and Md Razu Ahmad Masum, Programme Officer, CJNRR, Oxfam in Bangladesh.
Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell Shams Mahmud was also present at the meeting.
They discussed possible avenues of working together for the sustainable development of the apparel industry in Bangladesh.
At the meeting, both sides put emphasis on the importance of the issue of ethical buying practices and fair prices to build a more resilient supply chain where the rights and welfare of garment workers are well cared for.
They also discussed how they could collaborate with buyers to make trade fairer which would benefit the ready-made garment (RMG) industry and its millions of workers as well.
Faruque Hassan highlighted the need for concerted efforts of all parties, including buyers, to build a better and more sustainable RMG industry.
Mentioning how garment factories in Bangladesh are taking initiatives beyond their legal obligations to ensure workers’ welfare, he said fair prices would enable factories to make more investments in workers’ well-being.
