Govt. agrees to comply with EU conditions to retain trade benefits

Published in The Independent on November 22, 2017

Law Minister Annisul Huq yesterday said the Labour Act and Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) Act will be amended considering the recommendations made by the European Union and interest of the country, reports UNB.

After attending a meeting over Labour Act and BEPZA Act at the secretariat this morning the minister came up with the remarks.

“We’ve advanced much in Labor Act and BEPZA Act, and the Acts will be amended considering the interest of the country along with conditions given by the European Union as they are the larger buyer of our garments,” he said. “We have managed to come into a positive conclusion during today’s meeting of stakeholders, and the decision will be informed to the Prime Minister and experts committee of International Labor Conference (ILO)”, the minister said.

The Acts will be introduced in the parliament this winter, he added. Referring the labor’s right of trade union in EPZ area, law minister said the existing Worker Welfare Association will work as trade union there.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, State Minister for Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque, representatives of the BGMEA, BKMEA, and Secretary of PM’s office Suraiya Begum were present in the meeting.