Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Monday said fire safety in the country’s apparel sector has improved a lot as a result of the government’s move in lifting duty on imports of fire safety equipment. Mentioning that there has been widespread criticism over safety issues in RMG factories after the Rana Plaza collapse, Tofail said the situation has changed now thanks to the all-out measures taken by the government and factory owners to improve the safety standards. The commerce minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the ‘International Fire Safety and Security Expo-2016’ at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital. The three-day expo is being organised jointly by the Electronic Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB) and ELEVATE at the Hall 3 and 4 of the ICCB.The commerce minister also said there was a time when outsiders intentionally tried to create unrest in some factories, but since the factories have organised trade unions now it has become difficult for outsiders to create unrest. Tofail also said the anticipated cancellation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) by US president-elect Donald Trump is a good news for Bangladesh since it was contrary to the interest of Bangladesh. He mentioned that although the US does not provide GSP facility to Bangladeshi RMG products, they have imposed 16 conditions for the revival of the trade facility. “Bangladesh had fulfilled all the 16 conditions but the GSP is yet to be revived — now they use vague terms like ‘progress still needs to be made in fire, building and workplace safety’,” Tofail said. Director General (DG) of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense (BFSCD) Brig. Gen. Ali Ahmed, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Md. Siddiqur Rahman and Second vice-president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Mansoor Ahmed attended the function as special guests. The Fire Service DG said the expo has continued to be the main source of exposure for local organisations of all types to learn more about the latest in fire, safety and security equipment and services.“We look forward to three full days of knowledge sharing, of learning, and of community building focused on creating safer workplaces in Bangladesh,” he added. BGMEA President Siddiqur Rahman said a massive qualitative change has occurred in the country’s RMG industry since the Rana Plaza tragedy in 2013. “Most of the factories have been compliant and already 253 garments factories of the country have turned into green factories and more will turn the same in near future, which is a revolution in the industry,” Siddiqur added. ESSAB President Saiful Haque Kamal presided over the inaugural ceremony. He said the expo aims to help the industrial sector access innovative and highest-quality building, fire, security and electrical safety equipment and services. He said this year marks the fourth edition of the expo, and the event has continued to grow to include 25 sponsors, 30 exhibitors, and 10 supporting organisations. “This includes many local Bangladeshi and international organisations who are working very hard to help improve workplace safety,” he added. “We are expecting over 6,000 visitors. This year’s expo includes large-scale product demonstrations by the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense (BDFSCD.) We will also continue the full lecture track series on all three days of the expo, featuring both Bangladesh and international speakers,” the ESSAB President informed.
