Global apparel makers demand fire safety norms in Bangladeshi

After recent fire calamities in Bangladesh

that claimed many lives and raised concerns over fire safety measures in garment factories, international garment brands have demanded quick safe actions to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi textile workers. Mohammad Shafiul Islam, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said a 19-member buyers’ forum clearly told that the country they must act instantly to save it from ‘losing confidence’ of apparel makers.

Rights groups have called on big-brands to sign up for a fire safety programme. While some factories in Bangladesh observe safety regulations, many of them still do not comply with the required norms. And the concerned group wants to see proper action towards implementation of compliance issues.

Recent fire at Tazreen Fashions, Bangladesh’s worst-ever industrial blaze, was blamed by authorities on saboteurs. Police says narrow exits trapped workers inside the nine-storey building, killing 111 people and injuring more than 150. The fire has drawn attention to global retailers that source clothes from Bangladesh where wages are paltry.