The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC has raised alarm over the potential impact of the United States' latest labour rights memorandum on the country.
The embassy expressed concern in a letter to the Ministry of Commerce, emphasising the need for stakeholders to prioritise the matter.
The letter, sent by Md Selim Reza, minister (commerce) at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington, outlined fears that Bangladesh might be included in the US list of countries affected by the newly announced labour rights policy.
The Business Post has obtained a copy of the letter, which suggested that the policy could be used as a political tool under the guise of addressing labour disputes.
"There are indications that Bangladesh may be one of the targets, even though the 'Memorandum' seems to be an international policy that applies to all nations. Labour issues in Bangladesh were specifically quoted by the Secretary of State and Acting Secretary of Labour at the launching ceremony [of the memorandum]," stated the letter.
The letter also raised concerns about the potential direct involvement of the US foreign mission in labour issues, which could lead to interference in Bangladesh's internal affairs by US diplomats and missions.
While attempts were made to seek comments from Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, they could not be reached.
In a statement to an English daily on Wednesday, Tapan Kanti Ghosh downplayed the letter, stating, "The letter is not an alert; it is a normal communication."
The strategy follows an unusual public move by the US Department of State, urging Bangladesh to reconsider its decision on minimum wage after protests by garment workers led to incidents of police violence.
The unrest among readymade garment workers in Bangladesh resulted in four fatalities and injuries to hundreds, accompanied by extensive vandalism of numerous factories and the torching of several others. The volatile situation led to the arrest and imprisonment of more than a hundred workers in connection with acts of violence.
On November 16, Secretary of State Antony Blinken presented the strategy before union members at a San Francisco hotel, emphasising the tangible impact of US diplomacy on labour rights. He cited Bangladeshi garment workers who faced threats until US intervention, highlighting the efficacy of such diplomatic efforts.
Blinken outlined the Visa policy, which encompasses sanctions, trade penalties, and visa restrictions for those who threaten, intimidate, or attack union leaders, labour rights defenders, and labour organisations. This proactive approach aims to safeguard the rights and security of workers.
Against the backdrop of an ongoing labour movement in Bangladesh over the past few weeks, Blinken expressed the US's commitment to individuals like Kalpona Atker, a Bangladeshi garment worker and activist. He shared Kalpona's assertion that she owes her life to the advocacy of the US Embassy on her behalf.
Blinken asserted, "We believe that every worker deserves to have their rights and dignity respected." This sentiment underscores the core principles guiding the US's approach to labour rights on the international stage.
During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, US President Joe Biden issued a memorandum, marking the first formal instruction to US ambassadors and diplomats to "directly engage in labour diplomacy and enhancing programming and public messaging on workers' and labour rights." This directive reflects a concerted effort to prioritize and promote labour rights globally.
In response to these challenges, Blinken emphasised the commitment to fortify the federal government's capabilities in advancing workers' rights globally. This involves prioritising job opportunities for individuals with labour expertise, training personnel to be well-versed in worker rights, and actively seeking to prevent abuses.
Blinken outlined a comprehensive strategy, indicating collaboration with governments, and multilateral institutions like the United Nations and the G20, to champion labor rights and standards. He underscored the commitment to enhance due diligence and enforcement within their trade agreements and supply chains to ensure the protection of workers and prevent the import of goods made with forced labour.
Furthermore, Blinken pledged engagement with governments, workers, labour organisations, trade unions, civil society, and the private sector worldwide to safeguard and promote respect for internationally recognised labour rights. The memorandum signifies a global effort to elevate labour standards, drawing upon existing authorities in diplomacy, foreign assistance, programming, law enforcement, and global trade and economic cooperation. This initiative aligns with relevant international obligations and commitments.
