In response to the United States’ recent decision to impose a 100 per cent tariff increase on Bangladeshi garment exports, two prominent garment workers’ federations, the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF) and the United Garment Workers Federation (AGWF), have announced a protest program.
The federations plan to organise a human chain and submit a memorandum to the US Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday, 9th April at 11 am, condemning what they describe as an “unjust and discriminatory” move. The unions argue that the tariff hike will have a severe impact on Bangladesh’s economy, its export earnings, and particularly on the country’s garment workforce.
The protest follows a directive from US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, which categorises Bangladesh among three countries facing the increased tariff on apparel exports. Union leaders contend that this decision unfairly targets Bangladesh, which already endures higher tariffs in the US market compared to many other nations.
“The US has imposed this 100 per cent tariff hike despite Bangladesh being one of the most compliant garment-exporting countries. This will jeopardise the livelihoods of over 3.5 million female garment workers,” stated NGWF President Amirul Haque Amin in a joint statement.
Garments account for approximately 84 per cent of Bangladesh’s total exports, with a significant portion directed to the US market. Union leaders expressed concerns that the new tariff regime could hinder not only trade but also the country’s progress in women’s empowerment, economic development, and poverty reduction.
“The decision contradicts the values of women’s freedom and economic justice that the US itself promotes,” remarked Kamrun Nahar, president of AGWF.
The federations are calling on national and international media, rights organizations, and labor activists to unite in solidarity and amplify the voices of Bangladesh’s garment workers.
