Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) expressed its deep concern over the reported initiative by a section of the US lawmakers to review the status of duty-free access of Bangladeshi garments to the US market in the wake of Tazreen factory fire.
The TIB also called upon the US authorities to act in a responsible manner and refrain from actions that may adversely affect the industry, and further victimize the workers.
In a statement Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, said: “Responsibility for the tragedy indeed lies here on weak law enforcement, corruption and a desperate game of making quick money. Everyone responsible must be brought to justice to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure higher safety standards. However, nothing in the wake of such tragedies can justify any measure that could restrict duty-free access of Bangladeshi products to the US market.”
He also said this will mean chopping off the head for headache, and lead to punishing the garment workers for no fault of them, over 85 percent of whom are women. “While we are equally concerned about the deteriorating working conditions, we call upon the US law- makers and the government, particularly US Trade Representative’s Office to refrain from any shortsighted, irresponsible and cowardly course.
According to reports in Bangladeshi and international media,reacting to the Tazreen factory fire that a group of twelve lawmakers asked the US Trade Representative’s Office to accelerate review whether Bangladesh should remain part of the Generalized System of Preferences through which Bangladeshi products gets duty-free access.
The statement said that the US couldn’t shy away from their own role to ensure stricter compliance to safety standards in factories they conduct business with playing safe and rapidly dumping business when tragedies occur are cowardly.
“Profit from cheap garments comes at a cost which the US and for that matter other buyers and governments of the developed world have to share, if they want us to be convinced that they practice what they preach”, Iftekhar noted.
BBN/SSR/AD-22Dec12-9:25 pm (BST)
