Compromise reached on RMG

We welcome the news that the garments' representative body BGMEA and the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, a panel of North American retailers have come to an understanding on a realistic timeframe to relocate factories that are housed in dangerous premises. This had been one of the principal sticking points between retailers and manufacturers that had been holding up safety issues. With about four out of ten readymade garments (RMG) factories operating out of shared or converted buildings, it is hardly surprising that the sector is accident-prone.
Despite the obvious dangers, there is no easy way to relocate without hampering production. This is a ground reality. There is also the question of completing inspection, which according to the Alliance is underway but has run into trouble as most units are lacking in structural drawings, soil test reports or electrical circuitry outlines. Thus the whole question of upgrading factories will have to wait until these inspections are completed.
This paper has always stood by the need for workers' safety. That said we also understand the need to preserve the sector that brings in the lion's share of our foreign exchange earnings and is one of the largest employers of workers in the country. It is welcome news that the government for its part is considering exempting duties on fire and building materials from the upcoming budget. Such proactive measures along with a realistic timeframe for retrofitting or relocating unsafe factories should go a long way to addressing safety needs and restoring the RMG sector's reputation internationally.