The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety yesterday has opened its office in Dhaka to supervise efforts in improving safety standards in the garment industry.
The group of 26 retailers, mostly North American, launched its country office to lead on-the-ground implementation of its initiative, said Jeffrey Krilla, President of the group.
“We believe that our principles of commitment, collaboration, transparency and accountability will help us achieve unprecedented gains in improving fire and building safety in Bangladesh,” said Jeffrey Krilla at the launching ceremony at The Westin Dhaka.
Development partners, garment factory leaders and government officials welcomed the opening of the office.
Md Atiqul Islam, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), pleaded with the alliance to help Bangladeshi suppliers get higher prices for garment exports.
ILO Country Director Srinivas Reddy said: “We have to ensure the rights of the workers in the interest of everybody. All factories in Bangladesh will have to be safe for the workers.”
Labour Secretary Mikail Shipar said the new office would help ensure transparency and accountability at the garment factories on the issue of safety. He also detailed the recent developments aimed at improving building and fire safety in the sector, including amending the labour laws, providing registration to 72 trade unions since January and launching factory inspection by the government in association with International Labour Organisation.