Editorial
US concern over state of human rights
Authorities should act of own volition
All is not well for the government, especially in light of the less than flattering human rights scenario that has been presented in the US Congress with regards to Bangladesh, particularly the readymade garment (RMG) sector, on Thrusday. This stems from the fact that a group of leading foreign buyers had met in Dhaka to discuss the deteriorating situation in the RMG sector and had sent two separate letters to the prime minister to express their concerns. As the sector represents 80 per cent of the country's annual exports, any disruption here would cause serious worries for the economy. Hence, when a dismal picture of a deteriorating labour rights scenario was presented to US lawmakers by Eric R. Biel, Acting Assistant Deputy Undersecretary to the Department of Labour's Bureau of International Labour Affairs, there is reason for concern as such news have the potential to impact our RMG export adversely.
What brought matters to the fore was the killing of a labour leader and the fact that fingers were pointed at RAB. This has certainly not helped matters. The issue of extra-judicial killings by RAB and disappearance of political opposition figures, as highlighted by US's Robert O Blake, Jr. Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South Asian Affairs in the same congressional hearing, coupled with lack of progress in investigation of the murdered union leader have put a dark spot on the country's image. The apparent government inaction on issues of concern by foreign buyers is not helping matters. This paper has repeatedly highlighted the need for the State to recognise these as matters of grave concern and initiate a serious probe into these allegations. And it should be done without appearing to be doing so under duress.
There is no denying that rights of RMG workers are being infringed upon due to a lack of representation. It appears that the government has taken the issue light-heartedly. given the serious nature of the matter, we suggest the government engage itself with concerned US bodies, and at home, address the issues of labour rights and murder of the BCWS leader Aminul Islam with the seriousness that they deserve like any other responsible country that claims to have respect for rule of law.
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