US says trade benefits for Bangladesh can be restored if unfair labour practices end

United States Trade Representative Michael Froman has said trade benefits can be restored to Bangladesh if the latter takes more steps to end unfair labour practices.

The United States revoked trade benefits for Bangladesh in mid-2013 after a garment factory collapse and a factory fire killed more than 1,200 people.

The Daily Star quoted Froman, as saying that while Washington accepts the Bangladesh Government's claim of putting in place over 2,000 safety reviews of its factories, it still feels more needs to be done on this front.

"We also urge the government to accelerate its efforts to ensure workers' rights and to take measures to address continuing reports of harassment of and violence against labour activists who are attempting to exercise their rights," US Trade Representative Michael Froman said.

The suspension of trade benefits has affected the exports of goods other than garments, including tobacco and sports equipment.

The US government suspended the trade privileges on June 27, 2013 citing poor labour rights and bad working conditions at factories in Bangladesh.