Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Khaleda Zia on Saturday urged the US government to reconsider the GSP benefits for Bangladesh. “The US has suspended GSP benefits for Bangladesh. There’s no scope to take the issue lightly,” she told the House while delivering her speech on the proposed budget for the new fiscal.
Khaleda, also the BNP chairperson, urged the European Union and other countries not to follow the US decision as the workers will ultimately be affected if it happens.
She said all will have to work together giving the highest importance to its solution. “We need coordinated efforts for the improvement of the working environment in the readymade garment industry,” she said.
The BNP chief criticised the allegation brought against her that she wrote a letter to the US government for suspending the GSP benefits.
“There’s no question to write any letter to the US authorities seeking suspension of the GSP facility to Bangladesh.”
She said it is the Aminul murder and the Rana Plaza collapse that brought the decision of the GSP suspension. “I would like to urge the government not to shift its failures onto others. Stop such propaganda at this critical stage (of the country).”
Khaleda swiped at the government for its move to break up Grameen Bank into 19 entities. “It’s very unfortunate that Prof Muhammad Yunus is disrespected and defamed at home though he is bringing honour for the nation.”
She said the nation will turn intellectually bankrupt if revered persons are not given the due honour. (Source: UNB)
