American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and Fair Labor Association (FLA) have called on Bangladesh’s interim government to implement key reforms to advance workers’ rights in line with international standards. In a letter addressed to Professor Muhammad Yunus, the associations emphasized three main areas for reform.
First, they urged the immediate release of workers arrested during the Fall 2023 protests over minimum wage and the cancellation of related charges. They also called for the release of labor organizers, including Babul Akhter and Jewel Miya, who were arrested for advocating for wage increases.
Second, they recommended establishing a transparent, annual minimum wage review for the garment, footwear, and travel goods sectors, involving all stakeholders. This would replace the current five-year review system and help the industry adapt to economic changes.
Third, AAFA and FLA stressed the need for stronger industrial relations to prevent unrest, urging tripartite discussions to amend the Bangladesh labor act in line with international standards. They advocated for easier union registration, higher penalties for unfair labor practices, and extending full labor rights to workers in export processing zones (EPZs).
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