In view of crackdown against garment workers and their representatives in Bangladesh, the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), leading alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for workers’ rights around the globe, has decided to skip the upcoming Dhaka Apparel Summit, organised by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in collaboration with Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE).
In last few weeks more than 30 union leaders and garment workers have been arrested and detained over false allegations connected to demonstrations over low wages in the country. Many workers have become jobless and police have reportedly filed cases against 600 workers and trade union leaders.
“ETI recognizes the importance of Apparel Summit to the future of the readymade (RMG) garment sector in Bangladesh. Unfortunately, the current intimidation of workers and their representatives is at odds with a progressive industry looking to secure the sustainable development of the sector,” Peter McAllister, Executive Director, ETI said in a statement issued by the organization.
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Apparel brands like ASOS, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Boden and Fat Face are some of the ETI members.