EU Parliament calls for preventive action in Bangladesh

24 May '13

2 min read

The European Parliament has passed a non-legislative resolution calling for more action in Bangladesh to prevent events like the recent fires and building collapse at garment manufacturing factories in Bangladesh.

According to the website of the European Parliament, the members (MEPs) have given a call for justice for victims of the recent accidents at Bangladesh garment units and EU action to prevent similar events in future.

The MEPs want the European Commission to promote responsible business conduct among EU companies operating abroad and ensure strict compliance with all legal obligations in the areas of human rights, labour and the environment, the statement said.

The resolution says, the European Parliament recalls that “Bangladesh benefits from duty and quota-free access to the EU market and that these preferences can be withdrawn in the event of serious and systematic violations of the principles set out in different human rights conventions.”

The MEPs urged the Commission to investigate Bangladesh's compliance with various human rights conventions. The resolution says the MEPs “expect an investigation to be considered if Bangladesh is found to be in serious and systematic violation of the principles laid down in these conventions.”

Moreover, the resolution insists that those responsible for the collapse of the Rana Plaza, the Tazreen factory fire or any other fire should be brought to justice, that the victims should have full access to the justice system, and that a financial compensation plan should be established.

The resolution urges relevant textile brands to support the recently finalised Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh between the trade unions, NGOs and some 40 multinational textile retailers.

The MEPs also welcomed the action plan adopted in early May with a view to reforming the labour laws in Bangladesh. However, they urged the Government and the relevant judicial authorities to investigate allegations that the national building regulations were not implemented due to collusion between corrupt officials and landlords seeking to reduce their costs.

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