A US delegation met with leaders of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) on Thursday, urging them to protect labour rights by maintaining international labour standards.

The US delegation also exchanged views on the amended labour law and labour policy reform initiatives in Bangladesh.

Andrew Korfhage, a representative of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and Leena Khan, Labour Attaché of the US Embassy in Dhaka, held the meeting with BTMA leaders at the trade body's Gulshan office.

The BTMA leaders said they remained committed to strengthening Bangladesh's global competitiveness in the post-LDC graduation era by promoting sustainable industrialisation and internationally compliant manufacturing practices, according to a statement from the trade body.

During the meeting, both sides underscored the importance of effective private sector participation in expanding trade and investment cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.

On behalf of BTMA, it was reiterated that Bangladesh's textile and apparel sector remains committed to ensuring workers' rights, workplace safety and welfare in accordance with the core principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the provisions of national labour laws, the statement said.

BTMA also highlighted the need for continued constructive collaboration among the government, industry stakeholders and development partners to implement international labour standards while maintaining the sector's competitiveness.

Both sides exchanged views on strengthening trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and the United States, promoting sustainable industrial development, developing skilled human resources, improving workers' welfare and addressing other issues of mutual interest.

Former BTMA Vice-president Hossain Mehmood led the Bangladesh side in the meeting.