Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has introduced a fire safety training programme focusing on imparting basic fire detection and prevention training to mid-level employees of 3,400 garment units of Dhaka and Chittagong.
The programme to be carried out by the BGMEA and the Fire Service and Civil Defence would go on for about six months.
Upon completion of the training, the mid-level employees like line managers, factory managers, production managers and assistant production managers would pass on this knowledge to the grass-root level workers.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Labour and Employment Minister Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju said the nation has learnt a lesson from the fire incident which occurred at Tazreen Fashion in November, in which over 110 workers lost their lives. He said his ministry would soon start inspecting the garment factories to confirm if they adhere to safety norms.
She was speaking on behalf of a buyers' forum, Regional Social Responsibilities Director of US retail major, JC Penney Purchasing Corporation, Jenefa Jabbar said Bangladesh is attractive garment sourcing destination for global buyers who outsource for well-known international brands. However, safety concerns in factories have become a key cause of concern for these buyers.
Pointing at improper construction of Tazreen Fashions’ premises, the official of the US garment sourcing firm said all the licensing authorities should perform their duties diligently.
