Both the two global retailers’ platforms, the Accord and the Alliance have agreed not to inspect a factory twice once done by either one to avert double-inspection in the ongoing safety and security check.
The decision was made at a joint meeting among the representatives from Accord, Alliance, ministries concerned, ILO, BGMEA and BKMEA, with commerce minister Tofail Ahmed in the chair.
The meeting held yesterday at the ministry of commerce, was attended, among others, by labour secretary Mikail Shipar, Brad Loewen, chief safety inspector of Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, M Rabin, managing director of Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety and Rob Wayss, executive director of Accord, BGMEA vice president Shahidullah Azim and BKMEA first vice president Mohammad Hatem.
We have decided that no factory will be inspected twice, which means if the Accord inspected a factory once, the Alliance won’t inspect that particular factory again, Tofail Ahmed told the reports after the meeting.
“The decision has been made through extensive discussion not only to avert double-inspection to a single factory but also to expedite the entire safety and security check process.”
The Accord and Alliance along with the help of experts from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) have so far inspected 675 factories, out of which, only one factory building was found vulnerable, which has been remained closed till now, said Tofail.
Regarding the only closed factory Tofail said: The reason behind the factory closure is genuine as the factory owners illegally had built an eight-storied building against its original plan for a five-storied building.
“It is quite expensive for the factories to install sprinkles for ensuring their fire-safety, but it is now mandatory to install such equipment from the sixth floor of a factory,” the minister said.
“The retailers brand will provide funds for the installation of fire equipments for remediation,’’ assured the minister.
Regarding the recent comment made by US senator Menendez, commerce minister expressed his frustration as saying, “It is really unfortunate for us although there has been no labour unrest in the country’s RMG sector now.’’
He, however, questioned about the person who provided the false information on harassing RMG workers to Menendez.
“How did he make the comment on GSP reinstatement based on an individual allegation?”
As asked Tofail categorically replied: The government will send its official reaction to the recently raised allegation of Menendez through the US ambassador in Dhaka.
Commenting on the appointment of 200 factory inspectors, the minister said the process is now at the final stage and waiting for the presidential nod. As soon as we get the consent from the president, the PSC chairman will accomplish the rest process within a short-period as he promised.
Regarding GSP restoration Tofail said, ‘There is no visible reason for not getting the GSP facility back as the government has met most of the conditions outlined by the US government and the rest will be done within the stipulated time-frame.
“After the evaluation of National Tripartite Action Plan, Accord and Alliance’s inspection and initiatives, we have reached a conclusion that we are moving towards a positive direction.”