{"id":943,"date":"2023-07-06T02:07:30","date_gmt":"2023-07-06T02:07:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/06\/silenced-voices-the-dark-side-of-bangladeshs-labor-movement\/"},"modified":"2023-07-06T02:07:30","modified_gmt":"2023-07-06T02:07:30","slug":"silenced-voices-the-dark-side-of-bangladeshs-labor-movement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/06\/silenced-voices-the-dark-side-of-bangladeshs-labor-movement\/","title":{"rendered":"Silenced Voices: The Dark Side of Bangladesh&#8217;s Labor Movement"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_50 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/06\/silenced-voices-the-dark-side-of-bangladeshs-labor-movement\/#bangladesh_labor_activist_killed\" title=\"Bangladesh: Labor Activist Killed\">Bangladesh: Labor Activist Killed<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/06\/silenced-voices-the-dark-side-of-bangladeshs-labor-movement\/#eu_us_should_link_inquiry_in_shahidul_islam%e2%80%99s_death_to_trade_talks\" title=\"EU, US Should Link Inquiry in Shahidul Islam\u2019s Death to Trade Talks\">EU, US Should Link Inquiry in Shahidul Islam\u2019s Death to Trade Talks<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/06\/silenced-voices-the-dark-side-of-bangladeshs-labor-movement\/#inadequate_response_from_authorities\" title=\"Inadequate Response from Authorities\">Inadequate Response from Authorities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/06\/silenced-voices-the-dark-side-of-bangladeshs-labor-movement\/#a_pattern_of_attacks_on_labor_organizers\" title=\"A Pattern of Attacks on Labor Organizers\">A Pattern of Attacks on Labor Organizers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/06\/silenced-voices-the-dark-side-of-bangladeshs-labor-movement\/#elevating_workers%e2%80%99_rights_in_bangladesh\" title=\"Elevating Workers&#8217; Rights in Bangladesh\">Elevating Workers&#8217; Rights in Bangladesh<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/06\/silenced-voices-the-dark-side-of-bangladeshs-labor-movement\/#responsibility_of_buyers\" title=\"Responsibility of Buyers\">Responsibility of Buyers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/06\/silenced-voices-the-dark-side-of-bangladeshs-labor-movement\/#eu_legislation_and_monitoring_mission\" title=\"EU Legislation and Monitoring Mission\">EU Legislation and Monitoring Mission<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/06\/silenced-voices-the-dark-side-of-bangladeshs-labor-movement\/#moving_forward\" title=\"Moving Forward\">Moving Forward<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/06\/silenced-voices-the-dark-side-of-bangladeshs-labor-movement\/#you_might_want_to_read\" title=\"You might want to read !\">You might want to read !<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"bangladesh_labor_activist_killed\"><\/span><strong>Bangladesh<\/strong>: Labor Activist Killed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"eu_us_should_link_inquiry_in_shahidul_islam%e2%80%99s_death_to_trade_talks\"><\/span>EU, US Should Link Inquiry in Shahidul Islam\u2019s Death to Trade Talks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><i>July 6, 2023 7:00AM EDT<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Human Rights Watch has called upon <em>Bangladesh<\/em> authorities to ensure an independent and transparent investigation into the murder of union leader Shahidul Islam. Islam, who was the president of the <u>Bangladesh<\/u> 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\u2019s workers.<\/p>\n<p>This tragic incident highlights the ongoing violations of garment workers\u2019 rights in <strong>Bangladesh<\/strong>, including anti-union tactics by managers and assaults on union organizers. The United States and European Union have both made it clear that <em>Bangladesh<\/em>&#8216;s access to trade preferences is contingent upon making significant improvements in labor rights and workplace safety.<\/p>\n<p>Recognizing the gravity of this situation, Claudio Francavilla, senior EU advocate at Human Rights Watch, states, \u201cEnsuring justice and compensation for Shahidul Islam\u2019s death will be a huge test for <u>Bangladesh<\/u> as the world watches. A labor leader\u2019s murder is a disturbing setback for workers\u2019 freedoms to organize and to seek the support of union leaders to solve labor disputes.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"inadequate_response_from_authorities\"><\/span>Inadequate Response from Authorities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>According to the First Information Report reviewed by Human Rights Watch, Islam visited Prince Jacquard Sweater Ltd. on June 25, 2023, to demand workers&#8217; 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.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the evidence and the urgency of the matter, the factory&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"a_pattern_of_attacks_on_labor_organizers\"><\/span>A Pattern of Attacks on Labor Organizers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Islam&#8217;s murder is not an isolated incident but rather part of a disturbing pattern of targeted attacks against labor organizers in <strong>Bangladesh<\/strong>. Tragically, this will further suppress an already severely constrained labor movement and deter workers from exercising their rights.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"elevating_workers%e2%80%99_rights_in_bangladesh\"><\/span>Elevating Workers&#8217; Rights in <em>Bangladesh<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"responsibility_of_buyers\"><\/span>Responsibility of Buyers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"eu_legislation_and_monitoring_mission\"><\/span>EU Legislation and Monitoring Mission<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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&#8217; freedom of association and fair purchasing practices to prevent labor abuses.<\/p>\n<p>As <u>Bangladesh<\/u> is the main beneficiary of the EU&#8217;s &#8220;Everything But Arms&#8221; (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&#8217;s murder and the wider state of workers&#8217; rights in <strong>Bangladesh<\/strong>. The EU Commission should undertake a monitoring mission to <em>Bangladesh<\/em> as part of its enhanced engagement with the country.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"moving_forward\"><\/span>Moving Forward<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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 <u>Bangladesh<\/u> authorities accountable. As the world watches, it is crucial that the investigation into Islam&#8217;s death is conducted independently, transparently, and in accordance with international investigation and fair trial standards.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, the <strong>Bangladesh<\/strong> government must demonstrate a commitment to upholding workers&#8217; rights to assembly and association. The international community, led by the EU and the United States, should continue to put pressure on <em>Bangladesh<\/em> to make urgent and comprehensive improvements in labor rights and workplace safety.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>Labor-<u>wordpress<\/u>,<strong>labormovement<\/strong>,<em>Bangladesh<\/em>,<u>silencedvoices<\/u>,<strong>darkside<\/strong><\/div>\n<p> <\/br> <img src='https:\/\/rights2all.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Labor-nSpj-Z12lX0-69116.jpg' title='Silenced Voices: The Dark Side of Bangladesh's Labor Movement' alt='Silenced Voices: The Dark Side of Bangladesh's Labor Movement' \/><br \/><< photo by <a href='https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/nSpj-Z12lX0' target='_blank' rel=\"noopener\">Tingey Injury Law Firm<\/a> >><br \/> The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation. <\/br><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"you_might_want_to_read\"><\/span>You might want to read !<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/05\/paving-the-way-nepals-monumental-leap-for-marriage-equality\/\" title=\"Paving the Way: Nepal&#8217;s Monumental Leap for Marriage Equality\">Paving the Way: Nepal&#8217;s Monumental Leap for Marriage Equality<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/05\/why-the-un-security-council-must-extend-cross-border-aid-in-syria-for-a-year\/\" title=\"Why the UN Security Council Must Extend Cross-Border Aid in Syria for a Year\">Why the UN Security Council Must Extend Cross-Border Aid in Syria for a Year<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/05\/burundi-governments-defiant-move-walking-out-on-un-review\/\" title=\"Burundi Government&#8217;s Defiant Move: Walking Out on UN Review\">Burundi Government&#8217;s Defiant Move: Walking Out on UN Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/06\/30\/the-scorching-reality-inclusive-climate-action-a-must-in-face-of-extreme-heat\/\" title=\"The Scorching Reality: Inclusive Climate Action a Must in Face of Extreme Heat\">The Scorching Reality: Inclusive Climate Action a Must in Face of Extreme Heat<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/06\/25\/protecting-the-ogiek-preserving-the-rights-of-kenyas-indigenous-community\/\" title=\"Protecting the Ogiek: Preserving the Rights of Kenya&#8217;s Indigenous Community\">Protecting the Ogiek: Preserving the Rights of Kenya&#8217;s Indigenous Community<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/2023\/06\/23\/cubas-continuing-injustice-demanding-the-release-of-wrongfully-convicted-prisoners-of-conscience\/\" title=\"Cuba&#8217;s Continuing Injustice: Demanding the Release of Wrongfully Convicted Prisoners of Conscience\">Cuba&#8217;s Continuing Injustice: Demanding the Release of Wrongfully Convicted Prisoners of Conscience<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bangladesh: Labor Activist Killed EU, US Should Link Inquiry in Shahidul Islam\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":942,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[17],"tags":[145,1462,1464,1463,1271],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/943"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=943"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/943\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/942"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=943"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=943"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rights2all.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=943"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}