Bangladesh has extended the deadline for completing remediation work in garment factories up to December 2018. But factories failing to complete the job by December might face closure. The previous deadline was April 30 last.

Accord and Alliance, two platforms of western buyers, have been strict regarding remediation work. Many factories have faced closure due to non-compliance with the criteria. At the same time, factory owners have sought extension of time ranging from three months to one year. After the collapse of Rana Plaza, western buyers formed Accord and Alliance to improve workplace safety in the readymade garment sector.

They inspected structural, fire and electrical integrity in 2395 garment factories in the country. About 85 per cent and 89 per cent of factories affiliated with Accord and Alliance respectively have completed remediation work. On the other hand, 1549 garment units were inspected under the national initiative. Of these, 755 factories are currently in business while 573 others were closed down for various reasons. Some 79 factories moved out of rented buildings, 12 are located in export processing zones and 123 got enlisted with Accord and seven with Alliance.

Out of 755 factories, a total of 165 units are yet to start post-inspection flaw-fixing work while the progress rate of remediation in 192 units is below 20 per cent. Some 21 per cent to 30 per cent progress was recorded in 65 factories while 385 factories have completed 31 per cent to 99 per cent remediation work.