Bangladesh should resolve the issue of trade unions In the EPZs as soon as possible or its special trading status with the United States could be cancelled. says a visiting U.S. official.

"The issue has been pending lor quite some time and the U.S. wants Bangladesh to comply with the labour standards set by the International Labour Organisation. said Andrew James Samet, deputy undersecretary for International Affairs. "We would like to see a solution that is responsive to the concerns expressed by the 1LO over the years."

Samet, who met with Minister of Commerce Abdul Jalil and Minister of Labour and Employment Abdul Mannan as part of a three-day visit to explore the possibility of co-operation between the U.S. and Bangladesh labour sector, did not provide a deadline for the decision.

Samet said the ministers assured him the government was starting to deaf with the issue. However, he reiterated that Bangladesh should follow through on its commitment to make a decision.

"We urged them to continue the process, but the decision will have to be made by the government here in Bangladesh." said Samet. "The problem should be resolved for its own interest."

However, high level government sources hinted Bangladesh is unlikely to allow trade unions to operate in its export processing zones, despite the

Unlted States' pressure.

The sources said the government would try and convince the U.S. government that workers' councils or welfare committees could be used to protect workers' rights and ensure a congenial atmosphere in the zones.

The proposal to form welfare committees was made by investors during a joint meeting between the government and U.S. embassy officials. United States Ambassador John C. Holzman agreed in principle to the initiatives but raised concerns about the committee formation process.

The government and investors wanted the worl *rs' representatives to be “selected," while Holzman insisted the representatives should be elected.

Samet and officials from the U.S. embassy also held talks with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association about child labour.

Association leaders discusses a number of their social and porker oriented welfare programmes, as well as plans to monitor programmes aimed at reducing child labour.

Samet praised the country for successfully resolving many child labour issues. He said it could serve as a "model" for others.

Samet said Bangladesh was a dynamic country with a lot of opportunity for progress. The United Slates could help the country to improve the health and working conditions of its garment workers, he added.