“ The Alliance will not be here after 1st of January next year . We are not asking for an extension ,” underlined the Executive Director of the North American buyers ’ body ( Alliance ), Jim Moriarty , recently .

It may be mentioned here that the global buyers ’ bodies – Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety and Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety – were formed in the wake of the tragic Rana Plaza incident , to carry out inspection and remediation of the apparel manufacturing units in the Bangladesh readymade garment sector .

The five-year timeframe of Accord too ended in May this year , following which , the Bangladesh Government extended its tenure by six more months as transitional period . This effectively means that Accord should also be on its way out by the end of 2018 . However , there is a big catch ! Citing observations of the fourth review meeting of the Sustainability Compact held on June 25 in Brussels , an Accord statement maintained that representatives from EU , US , and Canadian Government , European Parliament ’ s members , International Labour Organization and Accord signatory brands and unions have urged Bangladesh to ensure that the Accord operations continue until the Remediation Coordination Cell is deemed ready by the multi-stakeholder Transition Monitoring Committee .

“ It is in the crucial interest of the signatories to the Accord that the work of remediation which started in May 2013 , is completed and a sustainable and adequate national regulatory structure is implemented by the

... as per media reports , more than 180 European brands which signed the 2018 Transition Accord , have reportedly warned that if Bangladesh Government goes for a premature shut down of Accord , leaving workers in unsafe working conditions , the brands might reconsider their sourcing decisions .

Bangladesh Government to regulate workplace safety in the Bangladeshi garment industry ,” the statement underlined .

Only when the assessment body deems the RCC ready to take over responsibilities for the safety of workers based on previously agreed objective criteria , the Accord should wind down its activities , reportedly opined the buyer ’ s body .

Further to Accord ’ s standpoint on this issue , Bangladesh ’ s Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed recently made obvious what his country thinks on the same when he stated , “ Accord and Alliance will leave Bangladesh after the six-month transition period on December 7 and then , we will take over the responsibility of factory remediation and inspection .”

Amidst these developments , as per media reports , more than 180 European brands which signed the 2018 Transition Accord , have reportedly warned that if Bangladesh Government goes for a premature shut down of Accord , leaving workers in ‘ unsafe ’ working conditions , the brands might reconsider their sourcing decisions .

Under such circumstances , if the buyers ’ bodies leave Bangladesh or are made to do so , what implications would it have on the country ’ s RMG sector ?

“ I don ’ t think the exit of the buyers ’ bodies would have any business implications as such for the industry . First of all , in the last few years , Bangladesh has achieved the goal towards safer workplace . Besides , the buyers ’ bodies would hand over charge to another entity ,” observed Ahmed .

On similar lines , Alam of Fashion Tex and Sourcing explained , “ These days , the industry is more than aware of workplace safety , thanks to counselling and strong buyers ’ demands . Alliance has no more activity in Bangladesh and Accord will be here for another 6 months ( approx .). If still some work is left , it will be done jointly by the Government and the BGMEA . Besides , independent inspection team will be formed with ILO , Ministry of Labour & Employment , BGMEA and NGOs . Ministry of Labour & Employment will provide the fund required for the same . Bangladesh has already achieved a very good workplace environment through team work , positive attitude , and huge investments . If some factories still lack in achieving those goals , that will also be corrected , I am sure .”

At a time when the industry is standing at the cusp of next phase of growth , it can be hoped that the industry ’ s views on the exit of buyers ’ bodies become a reality .