Bangladesh garment makers propose remediation agency

Garment makers in Bangladesh have proposed forming a factory inspection and remediation agency, similar to Accord on Fire and Building Safety and Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety created by Western nations, to reinforce workplace safety in the apparel sector. The agency will operate under an ombudsman chosen by the prime minister's office.

To be called 'Shonman' (respect), the platform will have a steering committee comprising representatives from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the commerce and labour ministries, various brands, and trade unions, Bangladesh newspapers reported last month.

Neither the government nor the BGMEA will have veto power. The implementation board of the government’s existing remediation coordination cell (RCC) will be responsible for dealing with technical taskforces, case handlers and fire, electrical and safety engineers.

The new proposal follows BGMEA opposition to the ‘unilateral extension’ of the Accord, formed by European retailers after the Rana Plaza building collapse of April 2013, for three more years.

From June 2018 to June 2020, signatory buyers would be asked to assist 'Shonman' with third party audit fees so that independent verification of existing factories can continue. New factories registering after December this year will have to pay for their inspections based on the square footage of their facility. From 2021, 'Shonman' will become fully self-financing.