Reactions to the situation in Bangladesh
06/08/2024
Mostafiz Uddin, owner of Denim Experts Limited and founder of the Bangladesh Denim Expo in Dhaka, has announced that factories located in the Export Processing Zones (EPZs), including his company Denim Expert, had reopened this morning.
He pointed out in a LinkedIn post that the country’s garment industry is the cornerstone of its economy. “The industry provides employment to 8-10 million of people, directly or indirectly, particularly women.” Recognising the economic importance of political stability, he noted that “fashion buyers need to appreciate the current situation/circumstances as a transient one; and be with Bangladesh as their long-term sourcing partner, in the coming days and years.”
Non-profit organisation Fair Wear Foundation, which works to improve labour conditions in the garment industry, has issued a statement about the situation in Bangladesh.It said it was working hard to keep up with the “rapidly evolving” situation in Bangladesh and was “continuously updating” the 140 member brands that it works with.
It said: “Responsible business conduct is crucial at all times, but particularly in times of unrest. Brands must therefore adapt their risk assessments and sourcing strategies and practise responsible purchasing.”
It recommended that garment brands sourcing from Bangladesh engage with suppliers in the country as effectively as they can, when internet and phone connections are unreliable.
In any discussions that brands are able to have with suppliers there, Fair Wear Foundation said they should prioritise worker safety, extensions to production timeliness, no penalties to suppliers for delays, ensuring timely payments to suppliers so that suppliers can pay workers’ wages.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association also released a statement. “We are heartbroken by the ongoing tragedy in Bangladesh that has taken hundreds of lives. We continue to urge calm and urge all sides to come together peacefully so we can jointly move past this crisis. It is imperative that full democratic institutions be maintained and stability be assured; these are key steps in supporting the lives and livelihoods of Bangladeshi citizens and ensuring short term disruptions will indeed be temporary,” declared Steve Lamar, president and CEO.
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