Dhaka to seek waiver from child labour issues in TECF deal

Bangladesh will seek exemption from compliance with child labour laws while signing Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum (TECF) agreement with the US, Finance Minister AMA Muhith said yesterday.
“We have reached consensus on almost all issues except that of child labour on signing the TECF agreement with the US. We will seek relaxation on this issue,” Muhith said after a meeting on the progress in the TECF deal at his secretariat.
The minister also said the US wants strict compliance with the International Labour Organisation rules and regulations regarding the agreement. But in case of Bangladesh, the reality is that child labour still exists here.
A commerce ministry official said, in June a team led by the commerce secretary visited the US to discuss the TECF deal. A US team is also likely to visit Bangladesh this month to talk on the agreement.
The finance minister yesterday sat with Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan and the Prime Minister's Economic Affairs Adviser Mashiur Rahman to discuss the progress in the TECF deal.
Bangladesh and the US started talking about the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) about 10 years ago but finally the deal was not signed. Discussion between the two governments has now been continuing to sign the TECF agreement instead of the TIFA.
A commerce ministry official said Bangladesh has informed the US that the country has progressed much in taking steps against corruption, and ensuring intellectual property rights and environment protection to be able to sign the agreement.