Kalpana Akhtar, president of the Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation, told Prothom Alo that the US policy in question applies not only to Bangladesh but to all countries around the world. The manner of its implementation is left to the discretion of the United States.
However, Kalpana Akhtar also highlighted significant shortcomings in labor rights within Bangladesh. He said that despite legal provisions, workers face various obstacles when attempting to establish a labor union.
As per the Labor Act, it is necessary to obtain permission from the Labor Department to file a case related to unfair labor practices.
He commented, “If our employers and the government become more conscious of establishing labor rights because of this new US policy, it will be beneficial to the country.”
*more to follow…