UK minister extends support for improving safety standards in RMG sector

FE Report
The visiting British minister of State for International Development Alan Duncan expressed Tuesday his government's willingness to support the initiative taken by Bangladesh authorities to upgrade safety standards in the country's apparel industry.
He also suggested a coordinated effort from all stakeholders regarding the issue to ensure smooth production in the garment factories.
Mr Duncan, now on his fourth visit here after being a minister, made the observations during his meetings with the ministries of labour, foreign affairs and finance on the day.
In his first meeting with the labour minister, Mr Duncan was informed about the progress so far made in the garment sector that included amendment to labour law, upgradation of Chief Inspector for Factories and Establishments to a full-fledged Department of Inspection for Factories with a new recruitment rules, establishment of hotlines and garment database.
Bangladesh also sought support for training and other logistics from the UK minster.
After the meeting, the state minister for labour told the reporters that his government will continue its support towards the initiatives taken by Bangladesh government to improve safety standards in the apparel factories.
Recruitment of additional 200 inspectors will be completed by May next, State Minister for Labour and Employment Md Mojibul Haque Chunnu said adding that the recruitment process has already started with the first phase of 25 inspectors' appointment after completing all the formalities.
After meeting with the State Minister of Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, the UK minister said he will visit the spot of the collapsed Rana Plaza today (Wednesday) before the first anniversary of the tragic industrial disaster in which at least 1127 workers were killed and hundreds other critically wounded.
"It is very important that we as a development partner, volunteers and the government work together to make sure that the garment industry can be lifted up to modern standard," he said.