bdnews24.com :
Outgoing US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan Mozena has said stakeholders in Bangladesh’s readymade garment industry have been more sincere about the welfare of the workers due to America’s suspension of GSP facilities.
Speaking at a discussion at Bangladeshi-origin-American-dominated Fort Lauderdale City in Florida on Thursday evening, he also said accountability in many fields in Bangladesh had increased.
Mozena said there was no room for doubt that Bangladesh would get back GSP (Generalised System of Preference) facility if it fulfilled the conditions set by Washington.
Bangladeshi-American Community of South Florida organised the discussion in cooperation with Hope Found, a voluntary organisation, at the ballroom of Hotel Marriot.
Social worker Abhijit Barua moderated the discussion.
Mozena said Bangladesh had been able to improve safety and working condition of workers in 1,800 readymade garment factories over the past one year.
The US suspended GSP facility for Bangladesh on June 27 last year following Rana Plaza collapse in April 2013, which left more than 1100 dead, and fire at the Tazreen Fashions in November the year before.
Referring to Bangladesh shutting down eight factories for their failure to improve working condition, he said the government and the industry owners were sincere in their efforts.
Mozena exchanged views with expatriate Bangladeshis in New York, Texas, Michigan and California several months ago.
Highlighting the economic potential of Bangladesh, he said the country was no more a bottomless basket; it was the ‘economic tiger’ of Asia.
Bangladesh is a model for development and progress, he added.
