Editorial
Restoring GSP status
Speed up the process
THE action plan as suggested by the US government so that Bangladesh may be able to reclaim its suspended GSP status should get the attention it deserves. fact, more than just restoring GSP privilege, the issues covered under the action plan need urgent addressing and that must be done of our own volition.
However, we believe some progress has already beem made towards improving the working condition of employees at their workplaces and effecting reforms in the existing labour law for ensuring the rights of the labourers in line with international standards.
It is worthwhile to note that the government has brought about some reforms in the labour regime in the form of amendments to the 1976's labour law to make it consistent with the relevant international laws. But before its passage in the Jatiya Sangsad, the government would do well to address the remaining lacunae. For instance, the issue of allowing formation of labour unions in the Export Processing Zones (EPZs) is one. For, this is one of the issues that figured prominently in the American labour group, AFL-CIO's petitions to the US Trade Representative for removing Bangladesh as a GSP beneficiary.
The very fact that the US has come up with suggestions to help Bangladesh restore its GSP status demonstrates its continued goodwill towards Bangladesh. This is something very positive.
The government should now take all necessary measures that were long overdue to meet its obligations on the labour issue, but must also be seen to be taking them.
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