Bangladesh Committed to Comprehensive Labor Reforms to Attract Global Buyers: Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus

Bangladesh Committed to Comprehensive Labor Reforms to Attract Global Buyers: Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus

Dhaka – Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to implementing extensive labor reforms to attract more international buyers to Bangladesh. He made the statement during a meeting with a high-level U.S. delegation of labor and brand representatives at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon on Monday.

“We aim to align our labor laws with global standards. This is my pledge,” Prof. Yunus stated. He highlighted that the interim government has appointed a special envoy to reform labor laws and address concerns raised by local and international labor rights groups, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Western countries.

Support from U.S. Officials and Brands

The U.S. delegation was led by Thea Mei Lee, Deputy Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, and Kelly Fay Rodriguez, the U.S. Special Representative for International Labor Affairs.

Both officials expressed strong support for Prof. Yunus’s initiatives, emphasizing the importance of labor reforms and worker-friendly conditions in Bangladesh's factories. Referring to the 18-point agreement signed between the government and local unions, Kelly Fay Rodriguez said the measures taken under Prof. Yunus’s leadership over the past three and a half months are “remarkable achievements.”

Calls for Worker Protections and Union Rights

The U.S. delegation urged the government to establish union rights in factories and introduce annual wage reviews to protect millions of garment and footwear workers from inflationary pressures.

Thea Mei Lee emphasized the benefits of ensuring fair wages for workers, stating, “It is good for business and good for the economy.” She described unions as “training grounds for democracy.”

Engagement with Leading U.S. Brands

Senior representatives from top U.S. brands, including PVH Corporation, Calvin Klein, and Gap Inc., also participated in the meeting. Michael Bride, Senior Vice President of PVH Corporation, noted that his company supports labor reforms in Bangladesh, similar to efforts they endorsed in Cambodia.

Prof. Yunus urged the brands to announce price increases for their orders each January, enabling Bangladeshi manufacturers to adjust workers' wages accordingly.

U.S. Government’s Endorsement

Megan Boldaib, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, reiterated her country’s full support for Bangladesh’s labor reform initiatives. “We want to partner with you,” she said, praising Prof. Yunus’s efforts to enact comprehensive changes in the labor sector.

A Path Toward a Sustainable Labor Ecosystem

As Bangladesh moves toward aligning its labor standards with global expectations, these reforms aim to bolster the country’s image as a responsible sourcing hub, ensuring sustainability and improved livelihoods for workers. Prof. Yunus’s proactive leadership has garnered international support, setting the stage for transformative change in the sector.