US approves bill for safety accord on BD's RMG

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Nizam Ahmed Lawmakers in the United States (US) have approved an amendment to a defence authorisation bill that is likely to compel the ready-made garment (RMG) traders in the US Defence Department to abide by the conditions of a recently launched accord on fire and building safety in Bangladesh. The approval of the amendment bill at the lower house of the US parliament will also make it binding for the government and the stakeholders in Bangladesh to improve safety standards and labour rights in the ready-made garment sector of the country. The bill, jointly moved by two representatives of the US Democratic Party, was approved on Friday (June 14) in the lower house - the House of Representatives, according to a statement signed by the co-authors of the bill Ms Jan Schakowsky of Illinois and Mr George Miller of California. Though the approval of the bill may not be compelling for independent private brands and retailers in America, but it may likely to induce them morally to sign the accord to improve condition and human rights in Bangladesh, sources said. The accord was launched last month after the deadly collapse of Rana Plaza complex at Savar that killed 1,129 RMG workers and maimed scores others on April 24 last. Garment workers' safety in Bangladesh came to international attention after the collapse of the Rana Plaza complex, which housed several garment factories. So far, 50 international retail and fashion brands - mostly based in Europe and Canada - have signed an Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, said the statement. While three US brands have signed the accord, most other major US companies like Wal-Mart and GAP have declined to participate in the international effort to improve building safety, the statement further said. "Military exchanges that sell their own branded garments which are made in Bangladesh must join or abide by the conditions of the accord on fire and building safety in Bangladesh," said the approved bill. "Military exchanges that license production of their own brands or sell at retail other branded garments shall provide a preference in selection of vendors to those which are signatories to the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh," it further said. Following the approval of the bill it will require all traders in the US Defence Department, who procure RMG products from Bangladesh and sell those to retail stores in different US bases, should comply with an enforceable fire and building safety accord. It means the products must have been produced in compliant factories which have internationally approved safety standards and pay wages adequate enough to meet cost of living. "Military-branded garments made for sale at base retail stores operated by the Department of Defence should uphold our nation's core values and meet international labour standards," said Ms Schakowsky and Mr Miller in a joint statement. The statement is available at the following weblink: http://schakowsky.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3334:house-approves-bill-containing-amendment-regarding-bangladesh-safety-accord-and-military-branded-licensed-apparel&catid=59:2013-press-releases&Itemid=240&Itemid= A number of garments and documents with US Marine insignias were found in the rubble of Tazreen Fashion after a fire incident that killed 112 at Ashulia in November last year, the statement said citing a report of ABC News. Survivors have stated that the exits of the building were locked, forcing many to jump from the 3rd or 4th floor windows. Public data indicate that the Army-Air Force Exchange imported 124,000 pounds of garments last year from several garment factories in Bangladesh, said the statement. However, according to businesses, the procurement of uniform and other related accessories by the US from Bangladesh are not much compared to the total RMG exports of the country. "But the amendment will greatly help in organising global efforts in improving safety standard and protection of workers in Bangladesh. It will also boost image of the country especially in the global garment market," Bangladesh Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Sayed Nurul Islam told the FE. Bangladesh now exports RMG worth more than $19 billion a year, out of which US import share is around $5.0 billion and the European Union imports some $7.0 billion, according to trading sources. Meanwhile, Bangladesh cabinet approved on Monday a proposal to sign Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework Agreement (TICFA) to boost bilateral trade and investment opportunities with the US. If signed, TICFA will help embolden mutual confidence between the two countries in boosting bilateral trade, experts said.