Terming Donald Trump's tariff policy a 'death trap' for Bangladesh's garment industry and its workers, a local labour rights group has demanded duty-free and quota-free access for Bangladeshi garment products to the US market.
The National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF) made the demand at a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Friday.
Speakers at the human chain said that the garment industry is a key industrial sector for Bangladesh. The industry accounts for roughly 81 per cent of Bangladesh's total export earnings. The industry employs millions, with a large percentage of women workers, and is a major driver of economic growth and development
They mentioned that the United States is the largest apparel export market for Bangladesh. Currently, the country is imposing an average 10 per cent tariff while importing apparel items from Bangladesh. Last April, US President Donald Trump imposed a 37 per cent tariff on Bangladeshi RMG products. Later, he suspended it for three months following an appeal made by the Bangladesh government.
"The three months suspension period is almost over and the US tariff policy on Bangladesh's apparel products is still unclear," they said.
The workers rights group said President Trump has imposed much lower tariffs for a total of 63 countries, including 13 in the European Union. Besides, the US has maintained the previous tariffs for important garment exporting countries like Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, and Morocco and 15 other countries in the world.
Despite the fact, the UU administration has imposed a tariff of 37 per cent for a poor country like Bangladesh. This high tariff is extremely inconsiderate, inhumane, and an obstacle to women's liberation.
They claimed that if this tariff is implemented, it will stall the liberation of women in Bangladesh and jolt the local garment industry.
Amirul Haque Amin, President of the National Garment Workers Federation, General Secretary of the organization Rafiqul Islam, Joint General Secretary Hossain, Legal Secretary Rabiul Chowdhury, CBA Secretary Kashem, Treasurer Monira Munni were present, among others, in the programme.
