Silenced Voices: The Dark Side of Bangladesh’s Labor Movement

Bangladesh: Labor Activist Killed

EU, US Should Link Inquiry in Shahidul Islam’s Death to Trade Talks

July 6, 2023 7:00AM EDT

Human Rights Watch has called upon Bangladesh authorities to ensure an independent and transparent investigation into the murder of union leader Shahidul Islam. Islam, who was the president of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation Gazipur district committee, was beaten to death on June 25, 2023, after visiting a factory in Gazipur to secure unpaid wages for the factory’s workers.

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing violations of garment workers’ rights in Bangladesh, including anti-union tactics by managers and assaults on union organizers. The United States and European Union have both made it clear that Bangladesh‘s access to trade preferences is contingent upon making significant improvements in labor rights and workplace safety.

Recognizing the gravity of this situation, Claudio Francavilla, senior EU advocate at Human Rights Watch, states, “Ensuring justice and compensation for Shahidul Islam’s death will be a huge test for Bangladesh as the world watches. A labor leader’s murder is a disturbing setback for workers’ freedoms to organize and to seek the support of union leaders to solve labor disputes.”

Inadequate Response from Authorities

According to the First Information Report reviewed by Human Rights Watch, Islam visited Prince Jacquard Sweater Ltd. on June 25, 2023, to demand workers’ unpaid wages and a bonus for the Eid holiday. Subsequently, he and three other organizers were brutally attacked by a gang of men outside the factory.

Despite the evidence and the urgency of the matter, the factory’s managing director has denied any connection with the attack, claiming that it did not happen near the factory premises. However, it is vital that all those involved in this heinous crime be held accountable.

A Pattern of Attacks on Labor Organizers

Islam’s murder is not an isolated incident but rather part of a disturbing pattern of targeted attacks against labor organizers in Bangladesh. Tragically, this will further suppress an already severely constrained labor movement and deter workers from exercising their rights.

It is important to note that over a decade ago, another garment union leader, Aminul Islam, was tortured and killed under similar circumstances. Sadly, authorities have made little progress in investigating his death, despite promises to do so.

Elevating Workers’ Rights in Bangladesh

Responsibility of Buyers

Buyers, including global fashion companies such as Global Fashion Icon, R. D. International Style Collections Ltd., N P New Yorker Fashion Logistics International, and Gruppo Importatori Tessili S.p.A., should review their purchasing practices and payment terms. They must ensure fair treatment of workers and expedite payments to factories to prevent and mitigate labor abuses.

Unfair purchasing prices and unfavorable payment terms have long been identified as contributing factors to labor abuses in factories. Buyers have a significant role to play in preventing and addressing these issues by adopting fair purchasing practices.

EU Legislation and Monitoring Mission

In order to further address labor abuses, the proposed legislation on corporate sustainability due diligence by the EU should require brands and retailers, including small- and medium-sized companies, to conduct human rights due diligence. This should encompass workers’ freedom of association and fair purchasing practices to prevent labor abuses.

As Bangladesh is the main beneficiary of the EU’s “Everything But Arms” (EBA) arrangement, which grants tariff-free export to the EU market for least developed countries, it is imperative that the EU take swift action in response to Islam’s murder and the wider state of workers’ rights in Bangladesh. The EU Commission should undertake a monitoring mission to Bangladesh as part of its enhanced engagement with the country.

Moving Forward

It is clear that the murder of Shahidul Islam should not be tolerated, and the EU must utilize its trade leverage to demand justice and hold Bangladesh authorities accountable. As the world watches, it is crucial that the investigation into Islam’s death is conducted independently, transparently, and in accordance with international investigation and fair trial standards.

Moreover, the Bangladesh government must demonstrate a commitment to upholding workers’ rights to assembly and association. The international community, led by the EU and the United States, should continue to put pressure on Bangladesh to make urgent and comprehensive improvements in labor rights and workplace safety.

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