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DHAKA, Nov 15, 2023 (BSS) - Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momnen today said the visiting European Union (EU) Delegation has praised the number of progress made by Bangladesh government in improving labour situation.

"They didn't raise any question about recently announced minimum wage for readymade garments (RMG) factory workers," he said.
 
The foreign secretary was briefing journalists after a meeting with the visiting EU team along with labour and commerce secretaries at the state guesthouse Padma in the capital.

Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni is leading the delegation accompanied by EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley.

During the meeting, Bangladesh side explained current labour unrest in details and the EU side hoped that the current situation in the RMG sector will ease soon through discussion.

The foreign secretary said they discussed the reforms of Bangladesh National Plan of Action on the labour sector and its progress.

"We also discussed how we can get access to the GSP plus scheme. We informed about various steps taken by the government on labour sector reforms," said the foreign secretary.

The EU side appreciated the progress made by Bangladesh in many areas, saying there is scope for improvement in the areas of child labour, workplace safety and labour union.

Masud said they apprised that the Bangladesh government is committed not only to enact or amend labour rights related laws but also to implement those effectively.

The EU delegation talked about human rights issues while the Bangladesh side briefed them about the country's successful defence at the universal periodic review (UPR) of UN Human Rights Council.

"We highlighted Bangladesh's progress in human rights and labour rights fronts," said the foreign secretary.

The two sides also discussed in details the GSP plus facility that Bangladesh needs after LDC graduation.

The foreign secretary said the EU side also hoped that the next Bangladesh government will be formed through a free and fair election.
 
Later, in a statement the visiting EU delegation welcomed the progress made by Bangladesh on safety standards in the garment sector and noted some positive steps towards improving economic and social rights.

The EU officials recommended that Bangladesh step up its efforts to ensure that its policies and practices are aligned with International Labour Organization's (ILO) standards.

The delegation put stresses on the need to fully implement the National Action Plan on the labour sector, particularly guaranteeing freedom of association, collective bargaining, and an inclusive and representative participation of labour unions through tripartite consultation.