B Mirror Report: The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has rejected allegations of forced labour and excess production capacity in the country’s industrial sector, asserting that no such practices exist in its export-oriented ready-made garment (RMG) industry.

In a position paper recently submitted to the Ministry of Commerce, BGMEA said Bangladesh’s apparel sector operates under a robust legal and institutional framework, ensuring compliance with international labour standards. It stressed that there are no complaints against Bangladesh at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over forced labour or excess capacity.

The association noted that the country’s export base is largely labour-intensive and focused on low- to mid-range apparel products that are not produced domestically in the United States. As such, Bangladesh’s exports do not negatively affect US manufacturing or sourcing, it added.

The Ministry of Commerce is expected to formally convey BGMEA’s position to the United States. During a recent virtual meeting with Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Bangladeshi officials assured that the allegations raised by the US side were unfounded.

On March 12, the United States launched separate investigations into whether 60 countries, including Bangladesh, have taken adequate steps to eliminate forced labour in production. The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said it would assess whether the countries’ laws, policies and enforcement mechanisms are reasonable and non-discriminatory, and whether they create barriers to US trade.

BGMEA also pointed out that although 55 Withhold Release Orders (WROs) are currently in force across various sectors by US Customs and Border Protection, none have been issued against Bangladesh. This, it said, reflects the country’s adherence to international labour standards.

The association highlighted significant safety improvements in the garment sector since the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse. With support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and global brands, initiatives such as the Accord and Alliance have driven sweeping reforms in structural, fire and electrical safety.

It further said that international buyers impose strict compliance requirements, while a dedicated due diligence unit has been established in collaboration with development partners to strengthen oversight.

BGMEA maintained that Bangladesh’s apparel exports, particularly affordable clothing, benefit US consumers, especially low- and middle-income groups, by ensuring cost-effective supply without disrupting domestic production.