Last week the MFA Forum Bangladesh buyers decided collectively to take action regarding the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) labour rights investigator being held for interrogations by the Bangladesh intelligence service since January 24 th.
The MFA Forum Bangladesh Buyers Group sent a letter to the Bangladesh government on the 2 nd of February requesting rightful treatment of Mehedi Hasan and a full investigation into his arrest. It had been reported Mr Hasan was only allowed limited communication with his family and employers, and brief contact with a lawyer. There was also a great concern over his treatment in prison. The letter was signed by Wal-Mart, Tesco, M&S, H&M, Inditex, Next, Nike, Levi Strauss, Gap, Walt Disney company, Jones Apparel, Tchibo and Carrefour.
The day after submitting the letter the Bangladesh government announced the release of Mr Hasan. This was likely a consequence of the international pressure, including joint efforts of the buyers sourcing out of the country.
Encouraged by this positive turn, the MFA Forum will continue to work collaboratively with the stakeholders including the government to ensure improved labour standards in Bangladesh.
The report on the purchasing practices research commissioned by the MFA Forum Bangladesh Buyers’ Group is now available online.
This research was the second phase of work presented in the MFA Forum’s international convening in Toronto April 2007. The aim of the research was to identify the practices among brands that most significantly undermine manufacturers’ ability to comply with the brands’ codes of conduct.
The January 2005 phase out of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA) unleashed massive changes in the competitive landscape of the textile and apparel sector.
Facing the considerable challenges as part of international supply chains or commodity markets, many poorer and weaker nations have become convinced that competing in the global market means accepting the ‘inevitability’ of inadequate labour conditions and environmental controls. The result is not only that the human welfare gains from economic growth are constrained, but the very basis of competitiveness is put at risk by failing to invest in and protect the human and environmental capital on which further growth depends. More