BGMEA urges ILO to root for ethical prices of garment items in global forums

Leaders of the country’s apparel sector urged the International Labour Organization (ILO) to press for ethical prices of garment items in different global forums for a sustainable industry.

They made the call when a visiting Bangladeshi delegation comprised of employers including Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) leaders met ILO director general Guy Ryder at ILO headquarters in Geneva on Tuesday, according to a statement.

Speaking at the meeting, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan emphasized the need for fair prices to make the apparel industry more sustainable, positively impacting the well-being of garment workers.

Production costs in garment manufacturing have gone up due to an increase in prices of yarn, chemicals and other raw materials in the global supply chain and shipping charges, but prices offered by buyers do not reflect the reality and rationality, he said.

BEF president Ardashir Kabir, BKMEA executive president Mohammad Hatem, BGMEA standing committee chair on ILO issue A N M Saifuddin and BEF secretary general Farooq Ahmed were also present at the meeting.

The delegation apprised the ILO Director-General of the current situation of the ready-made garment industry of Bangladesh, its challenges and opportunities, added the statement.

They also highlighted how the RMG industry of Bangladesh has gone through a tangible transformation in the areas of workplace safety, labor standards, and environmental sustainability.

With these achievements Bangladesh has earned the global accolades and recognition as one of a safe and ethical apparel sourcing destinations in the world, they said.

The delegation requested the ILO Director-General to press on the issue of ethical prices in global forums.

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