A high-level meeting was held between the US Department of Labor and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on the rights of workers in the garment sector in Bangladesh. The meeting between the BGMEA and the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs was held at a hotel in the capital on November 24.
The delegation included Kelly M. Fay Rodríguez, Special Representative for International Labor Affairs, Thea Lee, Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs and Anne M. Zoellner, Chief of the Office of Trade and Labor Affairs. The delegation also included Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union; Scott Nova, Executive Director of the Worker Rights Consortium, and senior representatives from major global fashion brands including GAP Inc, PVH Corp, and VF Corporation.
The discussion was led by Administrator Anwar Hossain on behalf of BGMEA and was accompanied by members of the support committee formed to manage BGMEA and BGMEA leaders. The meeting discussed key issues in the ready-made garment sector with special emphasis on workers’ rights, workplace safety, labor law reform, and market access.
At the meeting, BGMEA Administrator Anwar Hossain briefed the delegation on the significant progress made by the garment industry in recent years, especially in the areas of workplace safety, labor rights, and labor law reforms.
During the discussion, members of the BGMEA Support Committee highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Bangladesh government and the garment industry to enhance workers’ rights and welfare.
The US delegation praised Bangladesh’s progress, especially in improving labor conditions. However, they stressed the need for further improvements in other areas, including the amendment of the Bangladesh Labor Act (BLA). The meeting emphasized continued cooperation between Bangladesh, the US government, and industry stakeholders to build a more sustainable, fair, and resilient garment sector.
