BGMEA, BKMEA bosses dodge RMG safety taskforce meeting

Syful Islam | Published: February 15, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2024 06:01:00

None of the directors of the BGMEA and the BKMEA are attending the meetings of government's taskforce on labour welfare and occupational safety in readymade garment (RMG) sector causing delay in implementation of important decisions, sources said.
"Mid level officials of the top apparel bodies attend the meetings instead of directors. They can't give decisions, rather seek time again and again delaying implementation of various steps taken for workplace safety," taskforce chairman and joint secretary of Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) Faizur Rahman told the FE. Â
"We have written to BGMEA and the BKMEA several times to ensure participation of nominated directors in the meetings. But they are not responding positively," he said.
Director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Nasir Uddin and director of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) GM Faruque are nominated members of the taskforce.
The taskforce chairman said the body meets once a month. So far 12 meeting of the taskforce were held where various important decisions regarding improvement of working conditions and occupational safety were taken.
But the directors are not attending the meetings nor are they informing the taskforce chairman or officials.
"So we have decided to write to the MoC to ensure the directors' participation in the meetings to help effective implementation of the decisions to ensure compliance in the factories," Mr Rahman said.
After the deadly Rana Plaza building collapse and Tazreen Fashions factory fire incident, workplace safety has become major concern at home and abroad. The government has been taking various steps to comply with the Action Plans.
A senior MoC official said the concerned agencies have heightened vigilance, checking strength of buildings housing apparel factories, ensuring adequate number of fire fighting equipments in the factories, regular fire drill, and appointment of increased number of factory inspectors are underway.
He said BGMEA and BKMEA members are responsible for ensuring compliance in the factories alongside the government officials. "If they do not cooperate with us, then ensuring compliance in the factories will take long time."
Contacted, BGMEA director Nasir Uddin told the FE that he was too busy to attend any meeting of the taskforce.
"Our labour officials attend the taskforce meetings. After the meetings they inform me about developments. If anything complicated arises, our president gives decision instantly," he said. Â
BKMEA director GM Faruque said he was able to attend some of the meetings out of 12 held so far. "Sometimes we remain busy in meeting buyers, or in other business. So, we can't attend the taskforce meet."
He claimed that officials who attend the meetings are empowered to take decisions. If needed, they consult with directors. "We, of course, will take all necessary steps to keep the sector vibrant."