BSS, New York :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the global stakeholders to deliver their commitments on responsible business conduct, fair pricing and access to development finance.
“We would benefit more if business is regarded as a shared responsibility by all at home and abroad,” she said while addressing the Launching Event of the Global Deal Initiative on Enhanced Social Dialogue for Decent Work and Inclusive Growth on the sidelines of UN General Assembly at the UN Headquarters on Wednesday.
Swedish Premier Stefan Lofven organized the event.
Describing development as a “collective enterprise”, the Bangladesh premier also called for devising a robust mechanism to facilitate mutually enriching dialogue among the stakeholders.
“Development is premised on a productive relation among governments, employers and workers it’s a collective enterprise, and has to be competitive, compliant and caring,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said the Global Deal Initiative encourages dialogue among the partners for building a harmonious and just society. “For that, a robust mechanism has to be initiated to facilitate mutually enriching dialogue among the stakeholders,” she said.
In Bangladesh, she said, the government has been following the path of inclusive economic development ensuring that no one is left behind.
“In our Vision 2021 of Bangladesh, people have been placed at the center of all our development efforts focusing on people’s dignity, safety and security,” she said.
The prime minister said readymade garments and other industries have been contributing to our employment, empowerment and economic emancipation.
“For better industrial relations, Bangladesh Labour Act in 2013 has been amended, making it more labour friendly,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said her government declared the minimum wages for the workers of the RMG industry with an increase of 77% from the previous one. “We have adopted the labour inspection strategy and strengthened the Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments,” she said.
The prime minister said the government recognizes the importance of further raising the capacity and awareness of industry associations, trade unions, factory management and workers in this regard. “We have been closely working with all development partners and stakeholders for a better future for our industries, employers and workers,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina added: “We are operating in a global supply chain . . . producers, retailers, consumers — all need to be responsible for the progress of business and realization of labour rights.”
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, PM’s ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Engineer Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Nurul Islam BSc, Energy Adviser Dr Towfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, State Minister for Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Foreign Ministry Dr Dipu Moni and Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Ziauddin were present, among others.
