Local apparel makers have refused to accept the recently-announced International Accord signed by major global clothing brands and unions.
Terming implementation of the proposed International Accord in Bangladesh misleading, the apex apparel trade-body BGMEA claimed in a statement on Sunday that no approved organisation, except the Readymade Garment Sustainability Council (RSC), existed in the country's garment industry to oversee workplace safety.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) also said, "Clauses and sub-clauses of any agreement signed outside Bangladesh, which are directly contradictory to the dictates of the laws of Bangladesh, must stand as null and void, and have no scope of being implemented."
The trade-body also claimed that the RSC would not be functioning beyond its mandated limit.
The BGMEA observations came four days after the formal announcement of the agreement titled 'International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry' or shortly 'International Accord' to oversee safety issues in Bangladesh's apparel sector.
The statement, signed by BGMEA President Faruque Hassan, said the recent press release by the Accord Foundation, declaring formation of the International Accord, might have been confusing for many and might give the impression of a poor partnership.
The press release might be seen to be undermining an independent organisation, one that is not controlled or subservient to the parties to the above-captioned agreement.
"The claim that the International Accord agreement is being implemented in Bangladesh by the independent national tri-partite RSC is misleading," Mr Hassan also said.
"The former Stitching Bangladesh Accord Foundation and the proposed International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry Foundation are separate entities from the RSC, and will not have any function in Bangladesh, directly or indirectly, unless expressly permitted by Bangladesh government."
The RSC, licenced by the government and having equal representations, was formed as an independent non-profit company to take over the Bangladesh operations of the Accord.
"On June 01 last year, the RSC has taken over the monitoring regime, bringing the overall safety monitoring under one umbrella," he claimed.
"It should be clear to all constituents and stakeholders that there is no licenced entity, apart from the RSC, working in this sector."
Explaining the RSC's function and protocols, the BGMEA president noted that the industry has zero tolerance for backsliding on matters related to safety. The rate of progress of certification might not be as per expectations, but the RSC is working to overcome these issues.
The RSC board is only accountable to its stakeholders, and works through a unique consensual decision-making process, whereby no two groups may influence operations.
The ILO and the EU also endorsed the RSC from its very inception.
Citing their engagement in this endeavour with the commitment of non-interference, zero tolerance and continued improvement, the BGMEA president added that they took this opportunity to reiterate their dedication to the joint initiative and expressed commitment to work jointly to thrive and build a sustainable and safe garment industry.
