DHAKA: The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety has opened an office in Dhaka, giving it a local presence from which to focus its efforts on improving fire and structural safety in the country`s garment factories.

The Alliance, which represents a group of North American apparel brands and retailers including Gap, JC Penney, Kohl`s, Target, VF Corp and Wal-Mart, has committed to inspecting all of its supplier factories in Bangladesh.

"We are proud of the progress the Alliance has set in motion to improve conditions for workers in Alliance factories," said Jeffrey Krilla, president of the Alliance. "We are committed to working alongside our Bangladesh allies to ensure a new standard for safety in the garment industry."

Among the latest achievements in its five-year action plan are first inspections at the 686 factories used by Alliance members, as well as the initial development of safety training for workers and management that will be required in all factories by July 2014.

As of last month, the Alliance had 26 members, with most recent additions including Australia`s Just Group, Giant Tiger Stores Limited and YM Inc of Canada.

"The garment factory tragedies of the past year have resulted in tragic losses of human life," said Mohammad Atiqul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and member of the Alliance`s board.

"The BGMEA is proud to stand with the Alliance as we identify and implement solutions that will prevent these tragedies from happening in the future."

While Mesbah Rabin, managing director of the Alliance`s Dhaka office, said: "Our work requires the involvement of international business, government and civil society leaders - but our goal is to impact the lives of millions of factory workers right here in Bangladesh.

"We look forward to convening the resources, expertise, and real commitment of the many partners that will be critical to achieving lasting impact."

Source: just-style.com
BDST: 1530 HRS, DEC 12, 2013