The United States has strongly denounced the alleged murder of union organizer Shahidul Islam and called on the Bangladeshi authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the crime.
As per reports, US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas has expressed condolences on behalf of the country during his visit to the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation even as he emphasised the US’s unwavering support for the rights of workers worldwide to organise and engage in collective bargaining without fear of violence or reprisals.
He unequivocally condemned the alleged murder of Shahidul Islam and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to diligently investigate the crime and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Shahidul Islam, the president of the Gazipur unit of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation, was allegedly attacked on 26th June while leaving the Prince Jacquard Sweaters Limited factory after discussing workers’ concerns regarding unpaid wages.
It may be mentioned here on 28th June, the US Department of Labor (USDOL) also condemned the killing of Shahidul Islam even as in a tweet, the USDOL’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs expressed the need for an independent and thorough investigation while emphasising the protection and advancement of human and labour rights for union leaders.
