DHAKA, May 20, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President S. M. Mannan (Kochi) has urged the International Labour Organization (ILO) to take an initiative to establish such a code, stressing its significance for the benefit of all stakeholders - including buyers, manufacturers and workers worldwide.

He also emphasized on the importance of fair minimum prices for apparel, stating that without such pricing mechanisms, the industry would not be sustainable in the long run.

Mannan made the request when a delegation of the ILO, led by Country Director for Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen, paid a courtesy call on him today.

The BGMEA President also urged the ILO to press this cause in global forums and in discussions with buyers, focusing its importance for the labor-intensive garment sector, said a press release.

The ILO delegation, comprising Mohamad Anis Agung Nugroho, Programme Manager of Better Work Bangladesh project; Linnea Strand, Programme and Operations Officer; and Md. Saidul Islam, Senior Programme Officer, engaged in discussions with BGMEA leaders regarding the progress of the ongoing ILO-led initiatives, especially Better Work Bangladesh aimed at enhancing working conditions and ensuring occupational safety for ready-made garment (RMG) workers in Bangladesh.

The meeting, held at BGMEA Complex, also discussed potential collaborations between the ILO and BGMEA to further develop the industry, with a specific focus on capacity building to align with evolving regulations such as the Due Diligence Directive and to enhance workers' well-being.

The attendees from BGMEA were Vice President Arshad Jamal (Dipu), Vice President (Finance) Md. Nasir Uddin, Vice President Miran Ali, Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib, and Directors Md. Imranur Rahman, Shovon Islam, Haroon Ar Rashid, Md. Mohiuddin Rubel, Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee, Saifuddin Siddiquie Sagar, Md. Rezaul Alam (Miru) and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Labour and ILO Affairs ANM Saifuddin.

One of the pivotal topics addressed during the meeting was the necessity for a unified code of conduct for social and technical audits, universally accepted across the industry.