bdnews24.com :
The government has invited United States Trade Representative Michael Froman to Bangladesh to see the ‘real’ condition of workers in the readymade garment industry.
The commerce ministry’s Public Relations Officer Abdul Latif Baksi told bdnews24.com that minister Tofail Ahmed had sent an invitation letter to the USTR on Jul 21.
The minister thanked Froman, chief advisor to US President Barak Obama on international trade, commodity and direct investment, for his advice regarding the development of Bangladesh’s RMG sector.
Six US Congressmen recently sent a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging ‘torture on workers’ in Bangladesh.
They also sought explanation from the commerce minister Ahmed during his June 10-14 visit to the US on the alleged torture, showing him a letter.
The letter, in which global union federation IndustriAll’s logo was used, alleged torture on workers at several RMG factories in Bangladesh.
In response, Ahmed had earlier said it was a part of the conspiracy against Bangladesh apparel industry.
The US suspended special trade privileges for Bangladesh under GSP following two disastrous incidents-fire at Tazreen Fashions and the collapse of Rana Plaza that housed six RMG factories-in the garment industry.
Washington set 16 preconditions for Bangladesh to get back the facilities.
