The EU will suspend trading terms for Bangladesh and disqualify it for trade privileges if it finds evidence of labor rights abuses or systematic repression of trade union rights. Bangladesh has a long history of trade union repression.

But recent months have been characterised by a significant upturn in violent repression. In December 2016, spontaneous wage strikes were met with mass dismissals, raids on trade union offices and the arrest of over 30 labor leaders.

While an agreement in February 2017 brought about the end of detentions, labor leaders continue to face charges and thereby a possible prison sentence and workers have still not been reinstated following their dismissals six months ago. Moreover, recent examples of violence and even death threats against labor activists demonstrate that the climate for labor advocates’ work remains extremely dangerous.

Clean Clothes Campaign is highly concerned about recent physical attacks, threats and criminal charges against leaders and members of trade unions in Bangladesh. The European Union has warned Bangladesh that continued non-compliance might harm the trade benefits that Bangladesh currently enjoys under the Everything but Arms category.

Bangladesh has been repeatedly given deadlines for honoring commitments but is yet to formulate a clear plan for labor law reform.