Apparel producers in Bangladesh have accused Accord and Alliance of imposing 'harsh' working conditions in the name of workplace safety in factories. Terming their demands 'illogical', they have said that factory owners are finding it difficult to meet their ever-increasing demands for work place safety and security. Accord and Alliance are two platforms by buyers from the European Union (EU) and North American countries working in Bangladesh to establish labour rights and promote work place safety in the ready-made garment sector.

At the recent joint meeting called by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), the attendees pointed out that while there is no coherent relation between Accord and Alliance themselves, they are imposing harsh working conditions in the name of safety at the local factories. According BGMEA president Md. Atiqul Islam, the demands of Accord and Alliance has become a big challenge for local factories and those don't ensure a level playing field for industry.

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