Hasina urges global retailers to be responsible

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the global producers, retailers and consumers to be responsible for the progress of business and realisation of labour rights.

"We would benefit more if business is regarded as a shared responsibility by all at home and abroad," she said.

Hasina was addressing the launch of the global deal initiative on enhanced social dialogue for decent work and inclusive growth, organised by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven at the UN headquarters on Wednesday.

Hasina described development as a collective enterprise and 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 the global initiative encourages dialogue among the partners for building a harmonious and just society.

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, people have been placed at the centre of all our development efforts focusing on people's dignity, safety and security."

She said garment and other industries have been contributing to employment, empowerment and economic emancipation in Bangladesh.

For better industrial relations, the labour law has been amended, she added.

Hasina said her government has declared minimum wages for the workers of the garment industry with an increase of 77 percent from the previous one.

"We've adopted the labour inspection strategy and strengthened the Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments."

She said the government recognises the importance of further raising the capacity and awareness of industry associations, trade unions, factory management and workers.

"We've been closely working with all development partners and stakeholders for a better future for our industries, employers and workers."

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, PM's ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Engineer Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain and Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Nurul Islam, PM's Energy Adviser Towfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, State Minister for Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam also attended the event.