Bangladesh high commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem has urged the UK to create a global supply chain sustainability fund for post-COVID-19 socio-economic recovery of countries victimized by the British retailers including Bangladesh. The rise in number of unethical cancellations and non-payment for manufactured apparels by UK retailers is victimizing the Bangladesh RMG industry its 4.5 million workers.

Tasneem also urged the UK to ensure equitable and affordable access to vaccines and therapeutics manufactured by the UK and other developed countries for the most vulnerable countries including LDCs. She was addressing a ‘High Commissioners’ Virtual Conference’ organized by the UK FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) Minister of State for South Asia, Commonwealth, the UN and the DFID, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon this week. Tasneem was one of the eight speakers at the conference participated by more than 48 high commissioners of the Commonwealth, UK’s Joint Head of International Engagement of the HMG Coronavirus Taskforce Alastair King Smith and UK FCO High Officials including the Commonwealth Envoy, Philip Parham.

She also briefed the conference about the innovative and unprecedented initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh premier including a $11.50 billion COVID-19-response social safety emergency aid and incentive package for protecting livelihoods of the most vulnerable faction of the society.

British FCO Minister Lord Ahmad, who chaired the virtual conference, assured Tasneem of UK’s continued engagement and support to Bangladesh’s post-COVID-19 socio-economic and sustainable development recovery.