Bangladesh’s garment sector faces the possibility of losing orders after 2029, when it will no longer benefit from duty-free trade access to EU markets unless workers’ rights are adequately protected, according to an expert.
Motaher Hossain, CEO of TELL Consulting Ltd, pointed out that Germany and other European nations have already implemented stricter legal measures to protect human rights within supply chains.
“The government and factory owners must take action on this issue immediately,” he said.
The Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), with support from Mondiaal FNV, hosted a two-day training at Asia Hotel and Resorts for journalists on human rights due diligence in the garment sector in Dhaka yesterday.
The garment industry is a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy, contributing to 85 percent of export earnings, 11.5 percent of GDP, and employing over four million workers.
Shahinur Rahman, an external consultant for Mondiaal FNV Bangladesh, explained that due diligence laws in the EU and other countries hold brands responsible for ensuring workers’ rights, though many brands attempt to shift this responsibility to local suppliers.
“Workers’ rights must be guaranteed at every stage of the supply chain, from cotton farming to product delivery,” Rahman said, stressing the importance of timely wages, rest, a safe work environment and maternity leave.
He also highlighted that due diligence is crucial for holding brands and buyers accountable and preventing supply chain violations.
“Factories must avoid human and labour rights violations to reduce unrest and conflicts,” Rahman added.
BILS Advisory Council member Naimul Ahsan Jewel explained that the training aimed to enhance journalists’ capacity to report on these issues, ultimately improving workers’ living standards.
He also called for specific laws to safeguard human rights in supply chains.
