The managementof Aswad Composite Mills, a concern of Palmal Group export apparel products,yesterday claimed they fall victim of a baseless case filedby the administration.
They argued the case is baseless as the fire safety inspection report contradicts with the allegationsbrought against them about lacking fire safety measures.
Addressing a press conference in Dhaka, Managing Director NafisSikder said the allegations brought beyond the inspection report were fabricated, baseless and controversial.
The inspection teammarked positive in 22 categories out of 50 while negative in one categoryand 27 categories kept unmarked, he said.
While filing the case on October 13, he added, the Department of Inspection of Factories and Establishments put negative marks on the categories which were earlier marked positive in the inspection report.
The plaintiff alleged that the inspection team found the factory did not preserve register of workers, fire extinguishers was not placed as per laws, the factory did not registered report on electric machinery check list, did not approved the working hours of workers, the factory has been extended but the management could not show the approval of extension during inspection, the number of exhaust fans and cooling system of machine room was not sufficient and walkway in the factory was very narrow.
The department served a notice to the factory management, asking them to reply within seven days and to resolve the shortfalls of safety. But they did not response within the stipulated time.
Nafis said they did not receive any notice from the department about the allegations.
On October 8, six workers and one official were killed in a fire accident at AswadComposite Mills Limited.
