Joint recommendations for responsible business conduct in Bangladesh

In early August, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned following a fresh wave of protests which snowballed into an anti-government movement. The country now faces a period of major transition; an interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has been formed to restore order and has received international support. 

This change follows weeks of mass protests over civil service job quotas, which the government countered with a communications blackout and violent repression, including a ‘shoot-on-sight’ curfew across Bangladesh. Clashes between protesters and the police and military forces, led to the death of at least 300 people over 20 days, and injured thousands more, including at least five garment workers.

As the country navigates this period of transition, companies need to demonstrate their commitment to suppliers and the workers that drive Bangladesh’s apparel and textiles industry.

FLA, together with amfori, Cascale, Ethical Trade Denmark, Ethical Trade Norway, the Ethical Trading Initiative, ETI Sweden, Fair Wear Foundation, and Mondiaal FNV, urge companies operating in and sourcing from Bangladesh to conduct business responsibly.

To address adverse impacts on workers, the organizations have shared joint guidance and recommendations on responsible business conduct in Bangladesh, developed with the input of local stakeholders. 

First and foremost, businesses operating in and sourcing from Bangladesh should ensure respect for international human rights laws and standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the ILO core labor conventions ratified in Bangladesh. These apply in all circumstances, including periods of civil unrest and transition, and are even more critical in this challenging context.