A high-level delegation from the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA) visited the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on January 21.

The purpose of the visit was to discuss issues related to workers’ rights and explore ways to strengthen the partnership between the United States and Bangladesh in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

The BGMEA team, led by Administrator Anwar Hossain and supported by members of the Support Committee — Miran Ali, Asif Ashraf, Rezwan Selim, ANM Saifuddin, Shehabudduza Chowdhury, and Shams Mahmud — engaged in fruitful discussions with representatives from AAFA and FLA.

The meeting focused on opportunities for cooperation to promote a more sustainable and ethical RMG industry in Bangladesh while enhancing trade relations with the United States.

Detailed discussions were held on key issues such as workers’ rights, workplace safety, labor law reforms, and other initiatives in Bangladesh.

Several significant topics were addressed during the meeting, including increasing trade access for Bangladeshi apparel in the U.S. market, promoting responsible purchasing practices, and recognizing the industry’s remarkable progress in sustainability.

The delegation also explored potential collaborations on worker training programs and initiatives to further improve worker welfare within the RMG sector.

During the discussions, BGMEA urged AAFA, which represents over 1,000 globally renowned brands, retailers, and manufacturers, and FLA to advocate for responsible purchasing practices that would benefit both buyers and suppliers.

Additionally, BGMEA sought AAFA’s support in promoting Bangladesh’s trade interests in the U.S. market to ensure continued growth and mutual benefit.

The delegation commended Bangladesh’s advancements in workers’ rights, including the government’s initiatives to form a labor reform commission and implement labor law reforms.

The delegation included:

• Nate Herman: Senior Vice President – Policy, American Apparel & Footwear Association
• Shelly Han: Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, Fair Labor Association
• Ismail Murad: Manager – Corporate Social Responsibility, Bangladesh & Jordan, Columbia Sportswear Company
• Kate Miller: Social Impact Manager, KMD Brands Limited
• Tayob Muhammed: Head of Finance/HR, Bangladesh, Perry Ellis International
• Stella Mondol: Social Compliance Officer, Bangladesh, Perry Ellis International
• Viola Wan: Director of Social Sustainability, Puma
• Md. Mostafizur Rahman: Manager of Social Sustainability, Bangladesh, Puma
• Moyeen Chowdhury: Branch Manager – Apparel & Accessories, Bangladesh, Puma
• Bushra Baten: Manager – Corporate Responsibility, Bangladesh & Pakistan, PVH
• Jessica Nursoo: Regional Director – South Asia and Indonesia, VF Corporation
• Tiffany Rogers: Director – Innovation and Development, Manufacturing, Fair Labor Association
• Chaimae Azmi: Fair Compensation and Member Engagement Manager, Fair Labor Association
• Hannah Larson: Social Compliance Associate, Fair Labor Association