Bangladesh has asked Accord to draw up a time-bound responsibility handover arrangement. The observations include Accord’s transition mechanism to be focused on a smooth transition of management of factories from the platform to the Remediation Coordination Cell (RCC). In September last year, the European Union-based platform submitted an exit plan to end its ongoing workplace safety activities in the country’s readymade garment sector in six phases. Accord’s proposed transition plan mainly put attention on remediation of the factories, RCC’s capacity building, including setting up a liaison office of Accord within it, handover of Accord’s safety committee, safety training program and its safety complaints mechanism.

Accord, a platform of more than 200 global apparel brands, retailers and rights groups based mostly in Europe, was formed immediately after the Rana Plaza building collapse to improve workplace safety in the country’s apparel industry for five years that ended in May last. Bangladesh allowed a six-month extension until November 30 while the platform wants to stay for more time. Accord has so far handed over responsibilities of its inspected 100 garment factories, which fully completed all the required remediation work.

In phases three and four, Accord has proposed gradual handover of its safety committee, training program and complaints mechanism.