Don’t cause panic during factory inspections: BIDA

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) on Tuesday called upon inspectors to refrain from causing panic during their inspection process in local factories.

BIDA Executive Chairman Md Sirazul Islam made the call on Tuesday while addressing a training workshop for inspectors, adding, “We just want to ensure a safe workplace in domestic factories and also support factory owners become compliant.”

“So, do not cause any panic during the inspection process.”

The authority had earlier formed 27 teams – comprised of government and private sector officials – to ensure a safe working environment and prevent accidents in factories and industries after a fire in Shezan juice factory on 8 July left 52 people dead in Narayanganj.

Led by BIDA, these teams will visit local factories across Bangladesh to inspect checklists, licences, designs, registrations, and certificates. The factories will be notified at least three days before an inspection.

BIDA inspectors will also check infrastructure and other existing accident prevention systems in companies and make necessary recommendations to ensure a safe working environment.

At the event, Sirazul said, “Bangladesh’s economy is flourishing and it will continue to move forward. We will stand with our heads held high in the world. So, all factories will have to be compliant.

“BIDA is an investment promotion organisation. But under the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, it is now leading an initiative to ensure safe workplaces in the country, because this is an important issue.”

He continued, “At first, we used to criticise the buyers’ platform “Accord and Alliance” in the RMG sector, but they helped strengthen the industry. Bangladesh now has 150 green factories - the highest number across the globe.

“Even nine of the top 10 green garment factories and 40 of the top 100 are located in Bangladesh thanks to the Accord and Alliance. We can make things better in local factories too.”

FBCCI calls for a safety cell through PPP

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries’ (FBCCI) President Md Jashim Uddin urged authorities concerned to form a “Safety Cell” through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to protect domestic factories.

He added, “The RAJUK (Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha), engineers and owners are involved in building factories.  Everyone involved should be held responsible in case of any accidents, not just the owners.

“Authorities concerned should focus on relocating plastic, chemical and light engineering industries to help curb industrial incidents. They should allocate space on easier terms to facilitate the relocation process.”

At the workshop, Prime Minister’s Private Sector Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman said ensuring a safe working environment in factories will help Bangladesh’s economy flourish further.

“So, we formed teams to find data regarding local factories. We need basic information and coordination among all stakeholders to succeed in our goals. We have already developed software. After getting data by visiting the factories, we will decide our next course,” he added.

Salman also expressed hope that five to six crore people will get vaccinated by December this year.