European Union has urged the Bangladeshi readymade garment(RMG)makers to work on improving the safety standards in their factories.Giving the call,Head of Delegation of the EU to Bangladesh,Mr.William Hanna said all stakeholders,including the garment producers,government services,workers representatives and buyers are aware about the steps that need to be initiated to improve the safety standards.The renewed concerns for safety standards are a result of the news of fire tragedy at Tazreen Fashions in Ashulia,a statement released by the EU said.It further stated that the Bangladeshi apparel industry should ensure decent working conditions in all units,and the EU is already extending its active support to help Bangladesh achieve this end.
On one hand,the EU is working closely with the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate,while on the other it is assisting Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association(BGMEA)to enable its member firms to comply with the norms,he said during a meeting with BGMEA officials,the statement said.
Under the"Promotion of social and environmental standards in industries"project,a project funded by the EU and Germany,Tk 2 million were released for aid of victims and affected families of Tazreen fire tragedy.
Under the said project,the Ministry of Labour and Employment and BGMEA and BKMEA are being provided support to help them comply with global safety norms,including fire safety,and to train factory compliance officers and labour inspectors.Likewise,the EU has also provided Bangladeshi garment industry with equipment and training support to help the Directorate to install and upgrade its fire fighting capabilities of factories,as a part of the Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme.
The programme is sponsored by several sponsors,with EU contributing€13 million to the same.As per the statement,around 57 percent of Bangladesh's exports are towards the EU.
