The GSP review process at the US Trade Representative (USTR) on workers rights in Bangladesh will continue for another year, reports UNB.

This was informed by the USTR after one more year of review of the same. However, the USTR has informed that during this period Bangladesh will continue to enjoy GSP facilities from the United States.

Following a petition in 2007 by the AFL-CIO on the violation of workers rights in EPZs, Garment and Shrimp Sector, USTR put Bangladesh under review.

Last hearing on this subject was held in Washington DC, on April 24 this year in which Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, on behalf of Bangladesh delegation informed the USTR about the steps already undertaken to improve the workers rights in various sectors in Bangladesh.

He also promised that Bangladesh Government would work with relevant sectors of economy to improve the workers rights situation in Bangladesh.

It may be noted that USTR duly acknowledged the return of a democratic government in Bangladesh and some progress made in worker relations in EPZs. They continued to urge Bangladesh to make more progress in the worker relationship in the garment and shrimp sectors.

It is expected that visible and verifiable progress in these sectors may help Bangladesh to get duty free access to the USA.