Tuomo Poutiainen, country director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), met with Anwar Hossain, administrator of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), at the BGMEA Complex on January 5. The meeting also included BGMEA support committee member ANM Saifuddin.
Tuomo Poutiainen, country director of the ILO, met with BGMEA administrator Anwar Hossain and support committee member ANM Saifuddin on January 5 at the BGMEA Complex.
They discussed critical RMG industry issues, including workplace safety, labour rights, environmental sustainability, and labour law reforms, alongside opportunities for collaboration and capacity building.
The discussions cantered on critical issues affecting Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry, including workplace safety, labour rights, labour law reforms, and environmental sustainability.
A significant focus was on the ongoing ILO-led Better Work Bangladesh programme, which aims to enhance working conditions and occupational safety in the RMG sector. Both Poutiainen and Hossain underscored the importance of sustained efforts to foster safer, fairer, and more sustainable workplaces.
The meeting also explored potential avenues for future collaboration between ILO and BGMEA. They discussed aligning with international standards, such as the European Union’s Due Diligence Directive, which requires companies to address human rights and environmental impacts throughout their supply chains, the BGMEA said in a press release.
Anwar Hossain highlighted the strides made by Bangladesh’s RMG industry in improving workplace safety, ensuring workers’ rights, and embracing environmental sustainability. He reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to further advancements in these areas.
The BGMEA representatives proposed that ILO consider launching projects aimed at promoting social dialogue and fostering harmonious industrial relations within the RMG sector. They urged collaboration in developing workforce skills aligned with emerging trends in AI and technological advancements.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
