Written question asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Labour) on Monday, 18 April 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 May 2016. It was answered by Baroness Verma (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 April 2016 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Bangladesh: Working Conditions

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions have taken place with the government of Bangladesh about toxic, insanitary and unsafe working conditions in Hazaribagh, Dhaka.

Answer: The UK Government’s work around conditions in the leather industry in Bangladesh focuses on the issue of child labour. We support efforts in this particular area through the Manusher Johnno Foundation (MJF). MJF have campaigned successfully to include “Leather Works” on the Government of Bangladesh’s list of hazardous works for children. As a consequence, employers in the leather industry are now bound by a Code of Conduct which is aligned with the domestic Labour Law and National Child Labour Elimination Policy.

Secondary information