DHAKA: A high-powered delegation from the United States Trade Representatives (USTR) office is due here Tuesday for a spot view of industrial situation before giving a decision on the much-sought-after Globalized System of Preference (GSP) for trading Bangladesh products on the American market.     

The five-member delegation, including a representative from the United States Labor Department (USDOL), will stay here till July 30, sources concerned said.

They told banglanews24.com.bd that the delegation would take decision about providing GSP facilities after observing real condition of the country’s export sector, specially the readymade garment and shrimp industries.

The team will give emphasis on minimum wages, health and safety of the workers and their right to form Trade Union in the readymade garment and shrimp industries, the sources added.

About USTR visit to Dhaka the country representative of Solidarity Center, a US-based labour-right organization, David John Wales, told banglanews24.com.bd that the delegation is coming to consider the fresh appeal for GSP facilities by the government of Bangladesh.

“USA will take decision about GSP on the basis of the delegation’s report,” he added.

BGMEA Vice-president Mohammad Shafiul Alam Mahiuddin told banglanews24.com.bd, “We have been trying to get the GSP facilities in apparel sector for long and this time we will again try to get it.”

About the trade-union right of the workers in the RMG sector he said, “We are ready to allow trade union considering the perspective of Bangladesh.”  

He also said, “Decision about minimum wage of the workers is now underway.”

The lack of trade union in shrimp industries and the recent suspension of trade union leaders of Jahanabad Sea Food Factory could come into focus during the visit, sources said.

The delegation might pay a visit to Jahanabad in Rupsha, Khulna.

The authorities of the factory recently suspended 25 of its employees, including six union leaders, allegedly for their involvement in trade unionism.

Vice-president of Bangladesh Shrimp Factories Owners’ Association Sheikh Abdul Baki told banglanews24.com.bd over telephone, “Our shrimp industries are running well. We ensure all compliances and we are hopeful about getting GSP facilities.”

BDST: 1958 HRS. JULY 26, 2010.