In a move aimed at enhancing the labour environment in Bangladesh and attracting more international buyers, the interim government has committed to comprehensive labour reforms. Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus made this announcement during a meeting with a US labour and brand delegation at his office in Tejgao.
Professor Yunus assured the delegation of his dedication to aligning the country’s labour laws with global standards. “This is my commitment,” he stated, highlighting efforts to appoint a special envoy focused on reforming labour laws and addressing concerns raised by local and international labour rights organisations, including the International Labour Organisation and Western nations.
The delegation, which included Thea Mei Lee, the Deputy Undersecretary of the US Department of Labor, and Kelly Fay Rodriguez, Special Representative for International Labor Affairs, expressed strong support for Dr. Yunus’s reform initiatives. They praised the interim government’s actions over the past three and a half months, with Rodriguez calling it “an amazing testament to his efforts.”
Addressing the topic of minimum wage in garment factories, Thea Mei Lee emphasised that fair wages are beneficial for both business and the broader economy, adding that labor unions serve as “the training ground for democracy.” The US officials underscored the importance of establishing union rights in factories and conducting annual wage reviews to shield millions of garment and footwear workers from inflation.
Senior executives from prominent US brands, including PVH, Calvin Klein, and Gap Inc., also participated in the discussions. PVH Corporation Senior Vice President Michael Bride reaffirmed his company’s support for labour reforms in Bangladesh and shared experiences from similar initiatives in Cambodia.
Professor Yunus advocated for brands to implement price increases for their orders each January, enabling Bangladeshi manufacturers to raise workers’ wages accordingly. US Embassy Charge d’affaires Megan Bouldin expressed her country’s full backing for Prof. Yunus’s ambitious labor reform agenda, stating, “We want to be partners with you.”
