Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) -The US government has assured that its department of lobour is ready to help Bangladesh with technical assistance and expertise to ensure fire safety measures through streamlining the readymade garment (RMG) sector.
“The U.S. Department of Labor stands ready to help, with technical assistance and expertise, to work with the government of Bangladesh to ensure that this horrific tragedy becomes a watershed moment for Bangladeshi workers' rights," Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said in a statement, issued on Friday.
She also galvanized support for stronger worker protections and institutions to enforce them, from workplace health and safety to workers' right to organize and bargain collectively.
The secretary has extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Bangladesh and the family members of the Tazreen Fashion Ltd fire victims.
At least 111 people were killed and nearly 100 injured in a devastating fire that raged through the garment factory at Nishchintapur in Ashulia on November 24.
“I join U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan Mozena in extending heartfelt condolences to the people of Bangladesh and the many families who lost their loved ones,” the statement said.
The US secretary of labour also demanded that investigations should be conducted and the perpetrators punished.
"Just over a century ago, in March 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York City burned to the ground, killing 146 people, mainly young women. That fire was our call to action,” it noted.
The statement also said the Tazreen Fashion factory fire is a similar call to action for Bangladesh and also for the many international buyers supplied by the country's garment factories. “Investigations should be conducted and the perpetrators punished, but things cannot then return to business as usual. I know that change is not easy.”
BBN/SSR/SI-01Dec12-4:40 pm (BST)
