Bangladesh Accord

Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety (often referred to simply as the Bangladesh Accord) is an independent, legally binding agreement between apparel brands, retail companies, and trade unions designed to build a safe and healthy Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garment Industry. Following the tragic Rana Plaza collapse in April 2013, which resulted in the death of over 1,100 garment workers, the Accord was established to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Background

The Rana Plaza disaster was one of the deadliest industrial accidents in history and highlighted the unsafe conditions prevalent in many of Bangladesh's garment factories. In response, the Bangladesh Accord was initiated in May 2013 as a collaborative effort to improve safety standards. It brought together more than 200 apparel brands and retailers from over 20 countries, trade unions, and NGOs, with the aim of transforming the industry into a safer working environment.

Objectives

The primary objective of the Bangladesh Accord is to ensure a safe working environment in the garment sector by:

• Conducting independent safety inspections in factories and identifying necessary repairs and renovations
• Ensuring factories undergo necessary renovations and repairs to meet safety standards
• Promoting workers' rights and establishing a complaints mechanism
• Providing safety training to workers and management

Implementation

The Accord conducts independent inspections in factories, covering electrical, fire, and structural safety. Factories found to be unsafe are required to undertake necessary renovations, financed by the brands and retailers who source from them. The Accord also includes a worker complaint mechanism, allowing garment workers to anonymously report unsafe conditions.

Impact

Since its inception, the Bangladesh Accord has conducted thousands of inspections, leading to significant improvements in factory safety standards. Many factories have undergone renovations to improve fire safety and structural integrity, and workers have received training on safety practices. The Accord has been praised for its role in transforming the garment industry in Bangladesh into a safer sector for its millions of workers.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its successes, the Accord has faced challenges, including resistance from some factory owners and political hurdles. Criticisms have also been raised regarding the pace of improvements and the need for greater transparency in its operations.

Future of the Accord

The Bangladesh Accord was initially set for a five-year term, expiring in 2018. However, recognizing the ongoing need for its work, the agreement has been extended, allowing it to continue its efforts in improving the safety and working conditions of garment workers in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Accord Resources
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