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Sakhawat Urges Fair Prices for Bangladeshi Products
Assistant US Trade Representative (South and Central Asia) Brendan Lynch and Director for South Asia Emily Ashby called on Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain at his Secretariat office on Sunday.
During the meeting, they discussed the development of Bangladesh's labour sector, facilitation of trade union registration, implementation of the US 11-point agreement on labour rights and strengthening trade cooperation.
Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, also Shipping Adviser, said the steps taken in the light of the US 11-point agreement on labour rights in amendment to the Labour Act 2006, the International Labor Organization's roadmap, the recommendations of the Labour Reform Commission and the European Action Plan have been incorporated in many legal provisions, which will make an important contribution to ensuring international labour standards.
He said Bangladesh is a signatory to the ILO Convention 138 and 182 to eliminate child labour.
Dr Sakhawat said the ILO Convention C155, C187 to ensure occupational health and safety and C190 to prevent violence and harassment at work will be ratified.
If these three conventions are ratified, Bangladesh will be the only country in South Asia, which ratifies all 10 fundamental conventions of the ILO, he said.
Responding to a question from the US delegation, Sakhawat said the minimum number of applicants for trade union registration is being included in the number-based minimum applicant instead of the percentage.
In addition, he said, provisions will be added to prohibit blacklisting of workers and ensure punishment in blacklisting of workers.
The labour adviser highlighted the various steps taken by entrepreneurs in Bangladesh to protect labour rights, ensure decent working environment and occupational health.
At this time, he requested global buyer brands to ensure fair prices for Bangladeshi products through the US trade delegation.
Brendan Lynch praised Bangladesh's economic development and progress in the labour sector.
He stressed the need for amending the labour law in accordance with international standards.
Both sides emphasised the need to further enhance mutual relations in the labour sector and increase new opportunities for trade and investment.
Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Labour and Employment Amal Krishna Mondal, Md Humayun Kabir and other senior officials, Charge d' Affaires at US Embassy in Dhaka Tracey Ann Jacobson and Labour Attach, Lina Khan were present at the meeting, reports BSS.