Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Aug 14, 2025 (BSS) - A high-level delegation from the European Union (EU) held a meeting with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan yesterday.

The meeting covered key issues including labor law reforms, the post-LDC (Least Developed Country) period and GSP+ benefits, as well as strengthening partnership with Bangladesh.

The EU delegation was led by Michael Miller, Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh and Head of the EU Delegation in Dhaka. He was accompanied by Dr. Bernd Spanier, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation, and Lole Valentian Lucchese, Programme Manager (Human Capital Development).

From the BGMEA side, the discussions at the BGMEA office were attended by Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Vice President Vidya Amrit Khan, Vice President Md. Shihab Uddowza Chowdhury, Directors Mohammad Abdur Rahim, Faisal Samad, Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz, and Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, said a BGMEA press release today.

During the talks, the EU delegation placed special emphasis on aligning Bangladesh’s labor laws with international standards. They reiterated that reforms in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions are a core expectation of the EU.

The meeting discussed the importance and implementation of the time-bound Labor Roadmap submitted by the government of Bangladesh to the EU, which sets out a clear plan for the development of the country’s labor sector.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted recent achievements in workplace safety and workers’ welfare in Bangladesh’s garment industry. He stated that workers’ welfare is the highest priority for BGMEA and that the association fully supports all legitimate and lawful demands of the workers.

He informed the delegation that BGMEA has taken the initiative to establish zone-based worker welfare centers in Gazipur, Ashulia, Mirpur, and Narayanganj to ensure swift resolution of issues such as wage disputes or other legal matters. 

Mahmud added that to promote harmonious industrial relations, his board has already held meetings with 81 workers’ federations since taking office.

The BGMEA leaders expressed optimism that Bangladesh would qualify for GSP+ benefits after graduating from the LDC status in 2026, which would help to maintain its position in the EU market. 

They urged the EU Ambassador to consider relaxing the current 37% threshold for the GSP+ scheme in order to safeguard the country’s export competitiveness and ensure continued market access.

They further noted that the industry has made remarkable progress in areas such as sustainability and green transformation, and hoped that such achievements would be recognized by relaxing the 37% threshold under GSP+.

The meeting also addressed issues of due diligence, sustainability, and decarbonization, noting that these topics are closely interlinked. 

The BGMEA leaders also expressed hope that with EU support, they could strengthen their capabilities in these areas and conduct business in full compliance with international standards.

They emphasized that the duty-free access that Bangladesh currently enjoys in the EU would benefit not only the Bangladeshi entrepreneurs but also EU buyers, who can purchase garments at competitive prices. They urged that this advantage be reflected in the sourcing policies of EU buyers.

EU Ambassador Michael Miller said that after LDC graduation, Bangladesh will face open competition, and therefore must prioritize capacity and efficiency improvements in various areas, including infrastructure and the efficiency of Chattogram Port. 

He also stressed the importance of increasing the use of renewable energy.

On labor law reforms, Ambassador Miller remarked that timely and appropriate action could send a positive message to the EU and the global community, and assured that the EU would stand by Bangladesh in this process.