The Accord on Fire and Electrical Safety in Bangladesh (otherwise called Accord) will continue its operations beyond the May 2018 deadline in Bangladesh until a local regulatory body demonstrates its full capacity to inspect RMG factories and ensure remediation and safety of workers. The platform of European RMG retailers made the announcement on Thursday. The Bangladesh government agreed that the Accord continues to operate in Bangladesh until a set of rigorous readiness conditions are met by local regulatory bodies, an Accord statement claims. The meeting was held among brands and trade union signatories to the Accord, Bangladesh ministers of commerce and labour and employment, and representatives from Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and International Labour Organization (ILO). Formed in 2013 with a five-year timeframe to improve safety in the factories, the Accord was supposed to be operational until May 31 of the next year.

Source: Dhaka Tribune October 26, 2017 17:26 UTC