Bangladesh: European delegation supports textile workers

By

Matthieu Guinebault

Published
Feb 24, 2015

A delegation from the European Union Parliamentary Subcommittee on Human Rights visited Bangladesh from February 16-20. Elected officials urged the local industry to do more to improve labor conditions for textile workers.

European representatives met with leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS). The group visited one of the garment factories that has modernized its infrastructure and working conditions following the Rana Plaza tragedy. 

"Much remains to be done to ensure the rights of workers in the garment sector," conceded Shahidullah Azim, president of the BGMEA, according to the Dhaka Tribune. Azim appears to have also urged the delegation to push European ethical clothing buyers to agree to take upon themselves a part of the price increases due to new agreements and social commitments. 

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In 2014, Bangladesh was the second largest supplier of apparel to the EU with 11 billion euros worth of goods (13%), behind China and its 28.3 billion (+6%). The country is also the twelfth largest supplier of textiles to the EU with 357 million euros in goods (-3%), according to the French Fashion Institute (IFM).

€1 = $1.13/£0.73