WEBVTT 00:01.610 --> 00:02.700 A are okay. 00:03.500 --> 00:06.660 Whoa whoa low-grade of inspectors being tracking. 00:07.190 --> 00:11.100 So right now than about what the should I met a factory garment worker. 00:11.680 --> 00:15.940 I uh I look at a series a circumstances is I enter the building 00:15.940 --> 00:19.200 and they say to mate wild my life is really at risk here. 00:19.780 --> 00:22.590 Uh and all less I have the ability. 00:23.210 --> 00:27.000 Uh to be able to say there's a problem here and go to the owners 00:27.000 --> 00:30.680 and say is a prop on a field that is going to be consequences 00:30.680 --> 00:35.310 to my job for my safety personal safety where we have trouble. 00:35.870 --> 00:40.590 And it seems to me that was some of the private sector a which 00:40.590 --> 00:43.840 I applaud for him. You know moving forward but some of the private 00:43.840 --> 00:50.160 sector wants to deal only was he a the safety elements in the 00:50.160 --> 00:54.360 hopes that inspectors with de la bat. But not a understand that 00:54.360 --> 00:59.030 a critical element necessary even with inspectors is to be able 00:59.030 --> 01:02.160 to have an individual say the the says a challenge to. 01:02.760 --> 01:06.570 So I I am concerned about that was to caress let me ask you it 01:06.570 --> 01:09.510 appears as though the government of on the bess is only a dress 01:09.950 --> 01:12.080 what I would consider the low hanging fruit. 01:12.760 --> 01:18.830 Uh in the G S PS action plan is so has a very long way to go 01:18.830 --> 01:23.100 in reforming their labelled lauren endings E harassment of labor activists. 01:23.690 --> 01:28.070 Do you think let the government has the political will am incapacity 01:28.560 --> 01:33.200 to credibly address these remaining in significant gaps and And 01:33.230 --> 01:35.780 I uh I am concerned. 01:36.330 --> 01:41.920 Though that we not I'm a look at the the reinstating. She is 01:42.060 --> 01:44.660 pi unless in fact we have. 01:45.210 --> 01:48.300 The type of significant action because is not as I said only 01:48.300 --> 01:51.780 about bond with dish. If we don't send a message that in fact 01:51.780 --> 01:56.880 you cannot get trade preferences a out when you uh I have a conditions 01:56.880 --> 01:59.980 such as exist in about what that then it will just migrate to 01:59.980 --> 02:03.850 other places. So sending the right message here is not only is 02:03.850 --> 02:07.670 sending the right message to Bangladesh but to get a more global. Industry. 02:10.670 --> 02:15.530 Like mr. Chairman um we would we recognizes sits every talk about 02:15.530 --> 02:18.390 that that the the car political situation elections. 02:18.390 --> 02:22.290 Obviously complicate uh the situation and engaging with the government 02:22.690 --> 02:25.540 um but this time on lease issues. We believe the governments 02:25.540 --> 02:29.000 committed to working with us and and and the private businesses 02:29.000 --> 02:32.740 stay colder. So gilo and others to continue to of it excuse me 02:32.740 --> 02:37.690 to get to do with fancy effort on worker rights um. I think year 02:37.690 --> 02:40.780 accurate and saying that progress has not been as fast as we 02:40.780 --> 02:43.540 would've liked. We believe there's been some progress to believe 02:43.540 --> 02:47.220 they're very significant actions they continued to be an needed 02:47.410 --> 02:51.760 in order asked for us to consider feminisation consider a possibility 02:51.760 --> 02:55.700 anti SP re in statement um but at this time. We do remaining 02:55.700 --> 02:59.380 games to leave we continue to work with that we continue to work 02:59.380 --> 03:03.940 with the gilo and others uh to move the issues forward and so 03:03.970 --> 03:06.470 we still remain optimistic that we continue to make progress 03:06.470 --> 03:07.040 from bond. 03:07.640 --> 03:09.640 Five other questions for the return for it. 03:10.980 --> 03:15.980 It. Reduce churn the You know as we go forward here. I think kept. 03:16.620 --> 03:19.900 Who ever after the tragedy happening americans became aware of 03:19.900 --> 03:24.150 what was happening now in Bangladesh I think everyone was a good aston. 03:24.650 --> 03:28.790 Ian. Did the difficulty here in america is is we don't really 03:28.790 --> 03:31.950 have a copper hinged on what the rest of the world's like Bangladesh 03:31.950 --> 03:36.300 is in america a it's not gonna be america a is never gonna have 03:36.300 --> 03:41.770 the conditions that to that we have here a And as result of that 03:41.770 --> 03:46.320 I think it's a ever one is of of reminded to it anyway that we 03:46.320 --> 03:52.320 can nab up print pressure a to attempt to a change conduct in 03:52.350 --> 03:53.170 he's a good thing. 03:53.810 --> 03:56.200 Uh that one of the difficulties set up. 03:56.720 --> 03:59.940 A one of the difficulties sarah is how the it didn't. 04:00.540 --> 04:02.030 And that I think get out. 04:02.570 --> 04:07.120 Of the chairman that that is made doubt her remarks about to 04:07.160 --> 04:10.590 the difficulty in the democratic process in Bangladesh certainly 04:10.910 --> 04:14.310 it made real progress in recent years in the democratic process. 04:14.640 --> 04:18.150 I think the january fifth election's probably worry a step backwards 04:18.530 --> 04:23.250 and that a given up the comparing it to the American system isn't 04:23.300 --> 04:26.960 to is naked think he's not anymore even near the same ballpark. 04:27.560 --> 04:30.720 Having said that I guess a bitch curse. It question have you 04:30.720 --> 04:36.610 is um the the presence decision to a change the general and system 04:36.610 --> 04:40.420 of preferences and that was obviously put in place to attempt 04:40.560 --> 04:42.820 to convince people to change conduct. 04:43.420 --> 04:46.800 Um de it might have trouble. 04:47.620 --> 04:48.180 Uh uh. 04:49.090 --> 04:51.340 He'd be good tiny that too. 04:51.860 --> 04:56.340 Up bringing public officials to Bangladesh about to change their 04:56.340 --> 05:01.340 mind about conduct a bit of the it seems to me in as I understand 05:01.340 --> 05:02.570 it the the schedule. 05:03.300 --> 05:07.170 When that was removed that the there would be a tear from about 05:07.170 --> 05:11.820 16% Gandhi and the goods that were a that were brought in United States. 05:11.820 --> 05:13.710 My right arm that approximate that. 05:16.120 --> 05:19.340 Uh oh sorry said I don't know the the actual tariff number. 05:19.340 --> 05:23.430 I can get this way that I had a When the terror for way not to 05:23.560 --> 05:27.080 tell me that I'm being in a position you're in and the trade 05:27.080 --> 05:32.430 per person offset. What affect has that hand on Bangladesh workers 05:32.740 --> 05:37.600 American businesses American consumers in finally un-elected 05:37.600 --> 05:40.370 officials in Bangladesh the we're trying to convince they should 05:40.370 --> 05:42.690 change your compact to tell me how this. Work. 05:45.210 --> 05:49.610 Why that is quite clear that the G 's incapable always. No other 05:49.610 --> 05:52.760 factors that have been mentioned that brought attention on the 05:52.760 --> 05:56.930 working conditions and Baba dash crystallized a a number of thinks 05:56.930 --> 06:00.430 it crystallized within the governor bob my destiny to address 06:00.430 --> 06:03.990 the issue docile crystallized among the international community 06:04.280 --> 06:07.030 a including the branson the retailers and others to do business 06:07.030 --> 06:09.540 there that there were serious promise in palma dash where to 06:09.540 --> 06:13.840 go to work or right to workplace safety and it brought not with 06:13.840 --> 06:17.910 the government's together but a international organizations brands 06:17.910 --> 06:22.740 retailers Ng as Labour unions to focus on the on the issues um 06:22.770 --> 06:27.500 it mated late. No suspending. She SP uh a payroll tax of course 06:27.500 --> 06:30.740 not come in under Jesus piece. So there's no direct effect on 06:30.770 --> 06:36.380 a payroll uh uh products in particular box a guy the notion of losing. 06:36.380 --> 06:39.400 She SP what that comes with it because it's a it's protect worker 06:39.400 --> 06:43.680 rights a is matters to governments matters to the the them in 06:43.680 --> 06:46.930 a bomb would dash and gets a tense within the government and 06:46.960 --> 06:49.470 and a recognition of the need to address the issue snuff twelve. 06:49.470 --> 06:53.300 We say we believe it has been you know some efforts underway 06:53.300 --> 06:56.250 to it to address the concerns but there's still a great deal 06:56.250 --> 06:59.490 more that would need that we need to be dying uh the Stan energy 06:59.490 --> 07:02.610 is pi is taking steps to a foreign ashley recognize worker rights 07:02.890 --> 07:05.650 and that's we're working to ensure occurs in Bangladesh to a 07:05.650 --> 07:09.770 sufficient degree as the president's action night in that suspension 07:09.770 --> 07:13.850 that in any way change the the amount of product that is kinship 07:13.850 --> 07:14.760 to the United. States. 07:17.200 --> 07:21.660 Come today some changes and in me a in the imports from bomb 07:21.660 --> 07:24.710 a desk and I can I can uh I don't believe we can say this Nestle 07:24.710 --> 07:27.760 it to be to decision on just pee their other economic factors 07:27.760 --> 07:28.880 that the might affect that. 07:29.390 --> 07:33.240 I'm the large amount of imports from Bangladesh United States 07:33.240 --> 07:36.040 is is a pair of one initially expressed. It's not actually direct 07:36.040 --> 07:39.200 affect with the going to just be a map think the latest numbers. 07:39.200 --> 07:43.840 We have from 2013 or about five point three billion dollars worth 07:43.840 --> 07:47.100 of goods imports from bollen tests the United States about four 07:47.100 --> 07:49.210 point nine of that is a pair of. 07:50.730 --> 07:55.400 Um how about the unknown employment in Bangladesh only people 07:55.400 --> 07:57.630 who work in these factories says it had the fed to. Them. 08:00.590 --> 08:04.770 But I do not have any numbers but deeply on Con employment levels 08:04.770 --> 08:07.730 within bonded dash a obviously that is affected by the amount 08:07.730 --> 08:10.800 of orders in and products that speed then that would be produced 08:10.800 --> 08:13.600 in an interview orders co-op and they go down. 08:14.120 --> 08:18.390 Um but I I I do know that our interest. Obviously is an sharing 08:18.390 --> 08:22.070 that they're good working conditions that over a long term and 08:22.070 --> 08:24.990 was strongly held belief that if improve working conditions to 08:25.020 --> 08:28.380 improve respect for worker riots with goes along with rule of 08:28.380 --> 08:32.670 law on uh and good governance that back trace the atmosphere 08:32.670 --> 08:36.530 that milan one will will increase economic development long cree simple. 08:37.660 --> 08:40.730 And and my times pretty lemonade de. Thank you for those answers 08:40.730 --> 08:44.200 let let me ask each of the panel briefly to address hopefully 08:44.200 --> 08:48.110 a brief question and Eddie's parties seen this plane up is far 08:48.140 --> 08:52.910 as the accord in the alliance hop. How will wispy that power 08:52.910 --> 08:57.880 woes to interests eventually be. I've come together and at and 08:58.070 --> 09:03.530 and finish out the In a it in a brief up sort awake aegean. 09:03.530 --> 09:04.180 So that for. Me. 09:07.740 --> 09:10.720 If I can get a definitive answer may uh what what I would say 09:10.720 --> 09:14.170 with regard to that he is that you are inches in saying that 09:14.170 --> 09:16.450 there be a variety of stay called was worked on these issues 09:16.450 --> 09:19.390 and then it's important that the corn meal lines and and the 09:19.390 --> 09:21.900 company center of ah than those cordon ate their efforts. 09:22.400 --> 09:26.060 Um harmonise this stand is that they utilizing and or in a making 09:26.060 --> 09:28.510 or to make most private and into this time is a very difficult 09:28.510 --> 09:31.900 to to determine what it off but I'll come would-be in which you 09:31.900 --> 09:35.120 agree with me that the all to medley the biggest stake in this 09:35.120 --> 09:37.990 whole thing is held by those companies that are the purchaser 09:37.990 --> 09:39.650 suppose products am I right or wrong. 09:40.890 --> 09:44.440 And I believe all the stakeholders. You know have a role to play 09:44.440 --> 09:47.260 here and yourself insisted that. I don't know who has the largest 09:47.260 --> 09:50.630 stick and I would say that ultimately the most important actors 09:50.630 --> 09:51.620 the gum in a bond with that. 09:52.820 --> 09:56.160 I died I deco that I think that you're the private initiatives 09:56.160 --> 09:59.040 decor in the alliance of critical roles to play until he are 09:59.040 --> 10:02.370 more in the second can all about the number of factories combine 10:02.370 --> 10:05.480 that they can reach an it's pretty sizable number but its import 10:05.480 --> 10:08.870 misses all coordinated. There's already a structure in place 10:08.870 --> 10:12.660 will better work over a that the next three years can reach about 10:12.690 --> 10:16.010 300 factories. That's another piece to the pas all of the ah 10:16.010 --> 10:19.280 tello's made eight in terms of implementing national truck parked 10:19.280 --> 10:23.110 a plan of action to ensure that all the factories in the sector 10:23.340 --> 10:27.250 ultimately are dressed they're also challenges with the informal 10:27.250 --> 10:29.620 sector and some that kind of are under the radar screen. 10:29.620 --> 10:30.380 But I would state. 10:30.900 --> 10:34.420 This will only work of all the parties including the prancing 10:34.420 --> 10:37.970 retailers are part of the accordingly alliance step up continue 10:37.970 --> 10:42.030 to push upward with for guard just common standards and that 10:42.060 --> 10:44.690 week continued appalled the government of bonded ashes fee to 10:44.690 --> 10:48.110 the fire not just through the leverage we have which she SP but 10:48.110 --> 10:50.710 also through our work with the year when the I I'll I'll and 10:50.710 --> 10:53.810 the government of bonded dash under the sustainability compact 10:54.190 --> 10:56.770 that was entered into just a few weeks after this committees 10:56.770 --> 11:00.640 last hearing last july that we are now part of this. Well initially 11:00.640 --> 11:03.400 was the you're not alone punk a bastion then wiechula in that 11:03.710 --> 11:07.280 subsequently all those different tools and all of the donor programs 11:07.280 --> 11:11.650 26 point five million in funding a including from other governments 11:11.650 --> 11:12.350 around the world. 11:12.950 --> 11:17.530 Together needs to be as harmonise says possible in terms of pushing 11:17.530 --> 11:21.080 for an on the common goal of helping empower the workers a palm 11:21.080 --> 11:24.420 confession away. They have not been today ms Biz where your thoughts 11:24.420 --> 11:27.760 on the issue the uh. Thank you senator. I would say that there 11:27.760 --> 11:32.770 is a natural sequencing here in that initially because of lack 11:32.770 --> 11:37.770 of capacity. It's gunner require a very concerted effort by industry 11:37.980 --> 11:41.970 to help Bangladesh that alton that leak it while the industry 11:41.970 --> 11:45.720 and international pressure as a clutch is that will be a political 11:45.720 --> 11:49.520 will within Bangladesh to conform to international standards 11:49.520 --> 11:53.900 on worker safety and that's gonna require a very Vo boston engaged 11:53.930 --> 11:57.840 labor and civil society and therefore it's important that we 11:57.840 --> 12:02.670 continue to press on all sides and on all stakeholders even so 12:02.700 --> 12:06.520 in the immediate term. He may seek much greater action coming 12:06.520 --> 12:09.160 out of industry in terms of addressing the media problem. 12:09.160 --> 12:13.500 So longer-term requires labor and civil society to a have or 12:13.500 --> 12:15.750 robust capacity to continue that's. 12:16.280 --> 12:16.840 Make you think. 12:17.460 --> 12:18.170 Senator Gardner. 12:20.330 --> 12:24.190 Oh thank you all very much and And certainly greeted Bangladesh 12:24.190 --> 12:27.090 is an important strategic partner the United States. 12:27.650 --> 12:30.070 We have all long standing friendship. 12:31.180 --> 12:34.260 But the biggest fall upon lives under were shoes point. 12:35.380 --> 12:38.470 Yes political will was needed to make these changes. 12:39.770 --> 12:41.910 But the political will can be helped. 12:42.470 --> 12:46.880 By the international community and I think harmonise same old 12:46.880 --> 12:49.590 that tolls litter of a all bowls critically important. 12:51.070 --> 12:55.780 But we start with the realities and the reality is the of the mr. 12:55.780 --> 12:59.880 Partridge Kearney to your testimony is that there is still substantial 12:59.950 --> 13:03.250 farmers that needs to be made in order to ply with. 13:04.070 --> 13:04.740 Action plan. 13:05.810 --> 13:09.020 The important indication of plans to improve labor fire building 13:09.020 --> 13:10.840 inspections have only just begun. 13:11.500 --> 13:14.410 Some evicted changes the Labour Wall to address shortcomings 13:14.410 --> 13:15.510 relating to run a strike. 13:16.110 --> 13:19.180 Our core miss reunion formation still needs to be done. 13:19.760 --> 13:22.590 They're still arrests and intimidation of labor activists. 13:22.950 --> 13:27.440 So there are still a a significant progress that we expect to 13:27.440 --> 13:28.020 be made. 13:28.680 --> 13:33.100 Not yet on in fact of Bangladesh is gonna are meet certain basic 13:33.390 --> 13:37.700 standards for human rights labor rights and worker safety. 13:38.450 --> 13:43.390 So have their wean harmon allies in a way to all these tolls 13:43.390 --> 13:46.470 that we have available we do provide a great deal the systems 13:46.470 --> 13:51.350 where you are there are a major players in major off a us initiatives. 13:51.500 --> 13:52.990 There's the international community. 13:53.810 --> 13:58.410 Why have we not been more successful particularly with highly visible. 13:59.150 --> 14:01.060 Episodes occurring in Bangladesh. 14:01.720 --> 14:04.060 Why haven't we been able to. 14:04.630 --> 14:07.710 Court made better what we need to do the court made better all 14:07.710 --> 14:08.750 the tolls over. Bail. 14:12.970 --> 14:16.660 She said tom we'll meet is a variety of things and I and I think 14:16.660 --> 14:20.690 many of them are underway a any wouldn't work under G SP. 14:20.890 --> 14:23.530 Obviously very closely with with the government and a lot of 14:23.530 --> 14:26.880 other actors sweet is a garment take us seriously bungee is financed 14:26.880 --> 14:30.180 these that does not apply to la their imports. So do it uses. 14:30.180 --> 14:31.430 So effective tool. 14:32.390 --> 14:36.140 Our view is that this has been extremely helpful extremely useful 14:36.380 --> 14:39.180 providers dinesh Ahmed. The were that the we have their attention 14:39.180 --> 14:41.250 on mum's. I believe that we do said yes sir. 14:41.810 --> 14:45.520 And and that's based on the action and gay for we've had with 14:45.520 --> 14:49.600 the government posts you know both here a working to the agency's 14:49.600 --> 14:52.940 here as was our embassy in bonn guesses close working as mention 14:52.940 --> 14:56.690 by my colleagues with the you with the Netherlands with the UK 14:56.690 --> 15:00.230 with canada and with an with the aisle uh what others homme before 15:00.230 --> 15:03.640 to gilo who is starting a better work kremlin bonnet dash which 15:03.640 --> 15:06.770 required certain be forms to be undertaken by the bond issue 15:06.770 --> 15:09.740 government before the Abdullah come in a run that program in 15:09.740 --> 15:12.580 met those stand are system more than we need to be that needs 15:12.580 --> 15:16.350 to be dined at least they met some minimal actions taken for 15:16.350 --> 15:19.740 the island to feel. So is beneficial to go and uh and you for 15:19.740 --> 15:22.120 my collie. So about other pro these and actions that that are 15:22.120 --> 15:25.420 underway working between the governments were to international 15:25.420 --> 15:28.970 community and national organizations Ng yellows and and others. 15:30.410 --> 15:34.760 Is there are not sectors are a clear message warm we still participate 15:34.760 --> 15:39.210 in so many of our programs and yet the pace of progress has not 15:39.210 --> 15:41.430 been acceptable to us should we be tall from. 15:42.940 --> 15:47.440 All we are being very tough mr. A senator um. 15:48.500 --> 15:51.260 To kind of a well kept the pacey have to look at where they're 15:51.260 --> 15:55.430 coming from an where they're going I'm in the two prior years 15:55.430 --> 16:00.070 parts of the sink age and then I'm there were approximately one 16:00.070 --> 16:02.190 or two unions formed per year. 16:02.910 --> 16:07.280 Did dischi are we seen a hundred unions farm to 95 for which 16:07.280 --> 16:10.610 we think are strong and credible I'm five from which we think 16:10.610 --> 16:13.470 are our industry sponsored um. 16:14.530 --> 16:16.310 It's clearly not enough votes. 16:16.850 --> 16:21.780 But there was positive momentum and it's gonna require transformation 16:21.780 --> 16:25.380 is not gonna happen immediately in overnight. It's gonna be a 16:25.380 --> 16:30.220 long haul to get bomb love acts to we're it needs to be to meet 16:30.250 --> 16:34.350 international standards and we've got to be was them for about 16:34.350 --> 16:38.280 long-haul continuing the pressure. But also providing the tools 16:38.280 --> 16:41.770 in the assistance and where's the leadership of this committee 16:41.770 --> 16:45.500 I will say that we are I'm providing tools and assistance. 16:45.530 --> 16:49.420 I'm not lying million of us government funding has been committed 16:49.420 --> 16:53.060 over the past year specifically on issues of labouring worker 16:53.060 --> 16:56.240 safety between the department of labor the department of state 16:56.240 --> 17:00.050 in USA idly. I'm working with you how much of your time is also 17:00.050 --> 17:02.200 spent them. Good governance issues one. 17:02.750 --> 17:06.430 Dealing with free and fair election's dealing with a basic problems 17:06.430 --> 17:10.090 of corruption with that Bangladesh is is that four of the equation 17:10.090 --> 17:13.500 that's out ghastly one and make sure workers are safe. Yes were 17:13.500 --> 17:16.690 one them have the right to work and allies but without good governance. 17:16.690 --> 17:19.920 So a lot of that's the somewhat meaningless. It's it's all part 17:19.920 --> 17:23.100 and parcel of that's the same thing. It's all inter-related an 17:23.100 --> 17:26.030 inter connected and we want to see a strong and vibrant bong 17:26.030 --> 17:27.630 let the strike continues to. 17:28.130 --> 17:31.630 Prosper and that requires addressing issues of strengthening 17:31.630 --> 17:34.790 democratic process. These addressing issues of corruption and 17:34.790 --> 17:37.400 we're working with the anti corruption commission long let bashed 17:37.740 --> 17:43.190 I'm working on issues of transparency as well as issues of capacity 17:43.590 --> 17:48.720 could could you provide for odds are that the expectations on progress. 17:48.720 --> 17:53.090 One those fronds give us some time for you as to hang out we 17:53.090 --> 17:56.470 think now I understand you keep toward projected to it does depend 17:56.470 --> 18:00.190 upon is you put it the The political will of the the government 18:00.190 --> 18:00.810 and the people. 18:01.340 --> 18:05.130 Let it get it that there are so many areas of concern and that 18:05.180 --> 18:10.940 we pointed out all and yes we you with the international community 18:10.940 --> 18:15.200 was shocked with the visible signs of failure within Bangladesh. 18:15.680 --> 18:19.760 But the elections of are critically important democratic institutions 18:19.760 --> 18:22.920 are critically important following to real wanted on there. 18:23.480 --> 18:27.670 Plans to um to deal with corruption are vitally important. 18:28.140 --> 18:32.400 I it and it's just not just the trade issues that have been mentioned 18:32.430 --> 18:36.810 these alterations waspy don also we're gonna have a reliable 18:37.170 --> 18:38.400 country that we kid. 18:39.680 --> 18:42.970 Have confidence that our partnerships will result. 18:43.560 --> 18:45.130 In a better way of white for the people. 18:45.890 --> 18:47.440 Pulled out the foundations. 18:48.020 --> 18:51.700 Of there's a question as to whether we should be continuing some 18:51.700 --> 18:52.660 of these partnerships. 18:53.550 --> 18:57.770 Well I I would drop one my prior experience it yue-sai guy as 18:57.770 --> 19:01.080 we look it bong one dash again we see it's a very mixed picture 19:01.190 --> 19:05.340 and a complicated picture because on the one hand we seen tremendous 19:05.340 --> 19:09.900 gains all and listing people out of poverty on improving the 19:09.900 --> 19:13.420 health conditions on working with and strengthening civil society 19:13.420 --> 19:18.660 organizations to be able to provide services as a supplement 19:18.660 --> 19:22.320 to the government where government fails to meet those those 19:22.320 --> 19:26.090 needs and so you seen improvements in food security you've seen 19:26.090 --> 19:29.460 reductions in poverty le bowl. You've seen what options and maternal 19:29.460 --> 19:33.020 deaths and child that's and Bangladesh is well on its way to 19:33.020 --> 19:36.380 meeting many of the millennium development goals at the same 19:36.380 --> 19:40.600 time that progress can easily be ve versed in its. 19:41.110 --> 19:44.960 The democratic process season institutions are not strengthened 19:45.420 --> 19:49.890 and therefore there is a great deal of focus right now on in 19:49.890 --> 19:51.480 shoring is that. 19:52.310 --> 19:56.750 The democratic institutions in Bangladesh do not slide back in 19:56.750 --> 20:00.730 there was concern there is real concern not enough to warrant. 20:01.300 --> 20:04.480 Pulling back like this engaging but it does require us to redouble 20:04.480 --> 20:06.020 our efforts and continue to. 20:06.560 --> 20:07.830 Maintain pressure. 20:08.350 --> 20:11.800 On that country in than government. So that the bangladeshi people 20:12.290 --> 20:17.650 have the best shot and a more stable and prosperous future uh. 20:17.650 --> 20:18.690 Thank you. Thank him. 20:19.850 --> 20:23.980 Aq senator Durbin. Mr. Thank you thanks for the time their remarks 20:23.980 --> 20:24.610 and you're opening. 20:25.140 --> 20:29.100 Of it was over 20 years ago that I made my first trip to Bangladesh 20:29.270 --> 20:32.790 and I'm a been back several times an. 20:33.350 --> 20:35.050 I wish. I wanna find out. 20:35.710 --> 20:39.080 And one almost amazing things that happened was I met a man. 20:39.740 --> 20:41.630 Who became a close friend of mine. 20:42.190 --> 20:45.380 Alone and one of emotions are in people i've ever about an inch 20:45.380 --> 20:49.690 speaking of mama dinners the for under Greenback micro credit 20:49.690 --> 20:53.980 was not his rich more idea. But he told this notion of loaning 20:53.980 --> 20:57.070 money to Kapoor's to the poor to a level. No one of the world 20:57.070 --> 20:57.810 and ever shame. 20:58.640 --> 21:02.080 He's receive the Nobel peace prize for his or fridge and I was 21:02.080 --> 21:06.110 happy to um leading a bipartisan effort in the russian said. 21:06.660 --> 21:09.640 To give him the congressional medal of freedom. I believe he 21:09.640 --> 21:12.800 may have been the first most from to receive the award. 21:13.410 --> 21:17.880 It was issued a whole packed with his supporters from all different 21:18.100 --> 21:19.710 backgrounds and religious faith. 21:20.330 --> 21:25.260 Uh he issued a route is and was show extraordinary and a source 21:25.260 --> 21:27.320 to deserve the singular orange. 21:28.160 --> 21:31.930 In so it troubles me greatly when she would was happen to groaning bank. 21:33.290 --> 21:36.880 What I consider the impact of one of the government's decision 21:37.190 --> 21:38.420 in removing them. 21:39.000 --> 21:43.050 From the leadership of the bank and then basically some schuman 21:43.050 --> 21:45.470 displaying came to the central bank of Bangladesh. 21:46.280 --> 21:49.840 It strikes me that it is leave crests political move. 21:50.420 --> 21:51.810 To punish em in some way. 21:52.500 --> 21:57.200 But said only to punish an millions of innocent people who depend 21:57.200 --> 21:59.470 on at bank of that to survive. 22:00.360 --> 22:04.220 Oh just tell you that my trips to bangladeshi meeting. One of. 22:05.150 --> 22:09.200 Goes to hold on the Greenback are some of the life expereinces. 22:09.200 --> 22:09.830 I'll never forget. 22:10.550 --> 22:13.910 In the poor stolen Jewish of one of the poorest nations on earth. 22:14.600 --> 22:19.070 An groping bank is given these primarily one of the about exclusively 22:19.100 --> 22:20.140 given these women hole. 22:21.040 --> 22:25.970 And so I guess I'd I'd like to ask if lee Collin um. First of. 22:26.670 --> 22:29.140 The assistant secretary of state here. 22:30.020 --> 22:33.380 We know what this government is done to muhammad you much and 22:33.380 --> 22:35.520 what it's done to crimean bank. 22:36.230 --> 22:37.420 What is it we can do. 22:38.090 --> 22:39.850 To convince the prime minister. 22:40.520 --> 22:44.400 That this is wrong wrong for our nation and for to the spam and 22:44.430 --> 22:46.460 inconsistent with a good relationship. 22:47.000 --> 22:48.780 Between the United States and been. Production. 22:51.470 --> 22:55.150 Well thank you senator. Let me just echoed the sentiments that 22:55.150 --> 22:59.400 you tom. So eloquently put forward a professor eunice everytime 22:59.400 --> 23:02.820 that i've had the occasion and the opportunity to meet listened 23:02.820 --> 23:06.090 as a deeply inspiring figure is humility. 23:06.740 --> 23:11.850 Is but trust by his creativity is intellect and his insight ominous 23:11.850 --> 23:15.070 commitment to humanity which extends far beyond the borders of 23:15.070 --> 23:18.940 olive launch a bean as faces and cage to aggressively on the 23:18.940 --> 23:22.670 issue of the crimean bank and the viability in the sustainability 23:22.670 --> 23:27.170 of the coming bank. It is one of Bangladesh is proudest and most 23:27.170 --> 23:30.980 crowning achievements and yet it is under threat within bong 23:30.980 --> 23:34.880 la bench. Uh the United States and yue-sai de have partnered 23:34.910 --> 23:38.980 with professor eunice to in sure with that week remains global 23:38.980 --> 23:44.220 reach continues to be strengthened and um when I was that a I'd 23:44.220 --> 23:48.460 the prior to this position pad plea. I'm pleasure of being able 23:48.460 --> 23:53.360 to work with doctor eunice an in supporting and strengthening 23:53.360 --> 23:58.080 crimean social businesses and their ability to reach millions 23:58.320 --> 24:02.920 of women around the world. So I think that the crimean institution 24:02.920 --> 24:06.970 the global week is one that is strong in that we're continuing 24:06.970 --> 24:08.880 to work within partner within support. 24:09.410 --> 24:14.310 What I think is under ryot is good means ability to operate and 24:14.310 --> 24:19.000 supports millions of bangladeshi women can bomb let the she families 24:19.260 --> 24:23.270 and that is that deep Shane and travis seek and we continue to 24:23.270 --> 24:26.890 press the government in my recent visit um in november. 24:27.050 --> 24:30.970 Every is this directly with the prime minister uh I had an opportunity 24:30.970 --> 24:35.420 to me was professor eunice um. While I was seeing Doc up and 24:35.420 --> 24:39.020 we continue to press at every opportunity that this is not in 24:39.020 --> 24:42.760 the interest of on my batch and that this undermines the prime 24:42.760 --> 24:46.500 minister's alone the economic development objectives for per 24:46.500 --> 24:47.700 country in for for people. 24:48.230 --> 24:51.450 Oh one shoot michael like center boxers circulated what're side 24:51.450 --> 24:53.940 and i've been member of the women senators. 24:54.490 --> 24:58.710 The because this search micro credit and grim aim are important 24:58.710 --> 25:00.580 issues for women around the world. 25:01.430 --> 25:05.580 Um. I hope that we will continue depression touch. It is chose 25:05.580 --> 25:07.080 such a cruel irony. 25:07.670 --> 25:10.630 That the country the nation that gave birth. 25:11.180 --> 25:15.450 To this notion of expanding micro credit beyond what was a pretty 25:15.450 --> 25:20.530 limited application is now seeing that effort a afforded shelter 25:20.530 --> 25:22.670 gated above its current government. 25:23.330 --> 25:26.410 To be a dress a second issue which is come up here and that is 25:26.410 --> 25:31.340 cesium issue. Abruptly possess trish fire that killed. So many. 25:31.970 --> 25:34.490 In addition government armored workers 20 twelfth. 25:35.110 --> 25:38.510 CERN said more than a hundred a Perot corporations from 19 countries 25:38.510 --> 25:41.470 are signed under the court for forward building safety. 25:42.050 --> 25:46.480 Art like there's a if it and one pen most real much crashes are 25:46.860 --> 25:50.410 shuttering would like to comment on this court and I would like 25:50.410 --> 25:51.930 to read one post group to it. 25:52.610 --> 25:53.610 In um. 25:55.060 --> 25:58.470 What was left of these buildings said after the fire. 25:59.010 --> 26:01.540 It was discovered that there were some products that were being 26:01.540 --> 26:03.680 made for the United States. So maureen core. 26:04.510 --> 26:08.270 And the maureen korb made clear from that point forward that 26:08.270 --> 26:11.920 there you were not gonna do business with companies out of Bangladesh 26:11.920 --> 26:13.770 that didn't sign on to the courts. 26:14.390 --> 26:16.940 I what expanded the on the marine corps and I think it should 26:16.940 --> 26:20.220 be expanded across the board to all government agencies. 26:20.750 --> 26:25.140 That we will continue to work with those companies a better providing 26:25.170 --> 26:29.500 a safe work environment for those workers but we will not by 26:29.500 --> 26:33.510 our government farms subsidize those of exploit workers are exposed 26:33.510 --> 26:34.660 them to the short of painter. 26:35.200 --> 26:37.780 Had like this coast cursed jcb eolithic common. 26:38.390 --> 26:41.990 Chart that thank you for that to a important common fault with 26:41.990 --> 26:45.420 regard to the general situation terms a factory conditions an that. 26:46.000 --> 26:48.900 What you mention concerning the meringue core. I we have an opportunity 26:48.900 --> 26:52.590 a to arm alive or national labor affairs Perrotta me trust last 26:52.590 --> 26:56.490 week without a group from the U.S. maureen core to talk a little 26:56.520 --> 26:59.970 bit of about what they're doing with regard to broader government 26:59.970 --> 27:02.530 procurement issues in light of some of the concerns that have 27:02.530 --> 27:06.270 been raised 20 uh uh some t-shirts with their logos were found 27:06.720 --> 27:10.270 a in in in the aftermath attach rain fire. They're taking some 27:10.270 --> 27:14.000 very proactive steps there was a conference convened about a 27:14.000 --> 27:17.790 month ago by bach are see human rights so up and Labour peer 27:17.790 --> 27:21.030 are what are gonna state in which we participating others participated 27:21.030 --> 27:21.600 talk about. 27:22.130 --> 27:25.690 More broadly the ability to use Carmine pretty german as a lever 27:25.690 --> 27:28.850 for improved working conditions and I'm sure my colleagues that 27:28.850 --> 27:31.300 state as well as we at the Labour department and others would 27:31.300 --> 27:35.530 be pleased to the to talk further about ways. We can work together 27:35.560 --> 27:38.570 on that not just in the context the bomb the dash but globally 27:39.060 --> 27:42.360 of with regard to of the specific things he mentioned concern 27:42.360 --> 27:45.570 in the accord you'll be hearing more a on the second can all 27:45.570 --> 27:48.270 in terms of the details of what the accord is doing I think one 27:48.270 --> 27:51.790 thing I neglected to say earlier when the chairman was asking 27:51.790 --> 27:53.580 about the accord new alliances. 27:54.090 --> 27:57.050 One thing we should all dispel as the notion that one is some 27:57.050 --> 28:00.540 power european initiative and one is a us initiative. And fact 28:00.910 --> 28:03.110 as you'll hear more on the second kennel the accord. 28:03.910 --> 28:07.110 The cornerstone member of the accord is pi th which includes 28:07.110 --> 28:10.240 well known brands like calvin Klein and tommy Hilfiger and so 28:10.240 --> 28:11.130 forth and their and number..