RMG's Duty-Free Access to US
TIB worried over status review
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) yesterday expressed deep concern over the reported initiative by a section of the US lawmakers to review the status of duty-free access of Bangladeshi garments to the US market in the wake of Tazreen factory fire.
TIB called upon the US authorities to act in a responsible manner and refrain from actions that may adversely affect the industry, and further victimise the workers, says a press release.
According to news reports in Bangladeshi and international media, a group of twelve lawmakers asked the US Trade Representative's Office to accelerate review whether Bangladesh should remain part of the Generalised System of Preferences (GPS), through which Bangladeshi readymade garments (RMG) products get duty-free access.
In a statement, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, “Responsibility for the tragedy indeed lies here on weak law enforcement, corruption and a desperate game of making quick money.
"Everyone responsible must be brought to justice to prevent such tragedies in the future but nothing in the wake of such tragedies can justify any measure that could restrict duty-free access of Bangladeshi products to the US market.
“While we are equally concerned about the deteriorating working conditions, we call upon the US law-makers and the Government, particularly US Trade Representative's Office, to refrain from any shortsighted, irresponsible and cowardly course,†he said.
The deadly fire at the factory in Ashulia killed at least 112 people on November 24.
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