During their meeting with Commerce Minister Hafizuddin Ahmed at his office yesterday, a two-member EC delegation headed by Stefan Frowein, ambassador of European Commission in Dhaka, and Charles Whiteley, first secretary of the commission, expressed their grave concern about the recent unrest in the garment sector.

The commission representatives warned that if the government fails to manage the issues, there will be difficulties for Bangladeshi apparel products to enter the European market.

They also demanded 100 per cent compliance of garment products from Bangladesh.

The EC ambassador suggested that the minister arrange a national dialogue among factory owners, buyers, workers association, and government body to overcome the situation.

"The buyers as well as consumers of European Union countries are very sensitive about the compliance issue and it which would be dangerous for Bangladeshi apparel exporters if they fail to ensure international standard environment in the garment factories," he said.

Describing the worker's wages under the present structure as 'low', the ambassador said workers wages have to be adjusted with the rising price of essentials.

"I think government is trying to do something to solve the problems, but the implementation of memorandum of understanding [MoU] among factory owners, workers associations and government is important to solve the problems," he added.

Replying to the queries of the EC delegation, the commerce minister said, " We already directed the garment factory owners to restructure their factories into compliance unit within a year, which would be done in time."

He expressed hope that the newly formed wage board will fix satisfactory minimum wage for the workers.

"As the EU is the major market for Bangladeshi garment products, we will take all initiative to fulfil the requirements of EU buyers," he said.

According to Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh exported garment products worth $3,700million in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year.