Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has taken initiative to establish zone-based workers’ welfare centres in major industrial hubs, including Gazipur, Ashulia, Mirpur, and Narayanganj, to resolve non-payment of wages and other legal issues promptly.

BGMEA president Mahmud Hasan Khan said the welfare of workers is the highest priority for the trade body, which remains committed to supporting all just and reasonable demands of workers.

His remarks came during a meeting on Thursday with a high-level European Union delegation led by EU Ambassador to Dhaka Michael Miller at the BGMEA’s Uttara office.

The delegation included deputy head Bernd Spanier and programme manager for Human Capital Development, Lole Valentian Lucchese.

BGMEA vice presidents Enamul Haque Khan, Mizanur Rahman, Bidiya Amrit Khan, Md Shihab Uddoza Chowdhury, and several directors, including Mohammad Abdur Rahim, Faisal Samad, Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz, and Dr Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, also attended.

During the discussion, the EU delegation stressed the need to amend the Bangladesh Labour Act in line with international standards.

The meeting also reviewed the government’s time-bound roadmap for labour reforms, describing it as a strategic action plan to improve the country’s labour sector.

Ambassador Miller said that following LDC graduation, Bangladesh would face open global competition, and priority should be given to infrastructure development, efficiency improvements at Chattogram Port, and greater capacity in various sectors, alongside increased use of renewable energy.

On labour law reform, he said that timely and proper action could send a positive signal to the international community, including the EU.

BGMEA president requested the EU to relax the 37 per cent threshold requirements of the GSP+ scheme to help safeguard Bangladesh’s exports to the EU.

He said that the country would continue to qualify for GSP+ benefits after its scheduled graduation from LDC status in November 2026, ensuring competitiveness in the EU market.

Mahmud Hasan also said that duty-free benefits not only support Bangladeshi entrepreneurs but also enable EU buyers to source garments at affordable prices, expressing hope that this advantage would be reflected in buyers’ sourcing policies.