Apparel lobby group has started promoting the progress the sector has made since the Rana Plaza tragedy took place two years ago, industry people said. As part of its ‘Branding Bangladesh’ initiative, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has organised visit programme to factories for foreign diplomats, donor representatives and dignitaries with stakes in the sector. A group of foreign diplomats including those of the United States, the European Union, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Australia and Denmark will visit two garment factories-UTAH Fashion Ltd and Epylion Style Ltd in Gazipur today (Wednesday). “Tazreen and Rana Plaza do not represent the overall garment industry in Bangladesh and there are many garment factories that do practice international standards,” Md Shahidullah Azim, vice president of BGMEA, said. Many changes have taken place and many are in the process following the inspection by the western retailers, he told the FE. One of the main objectives of the move is to restore the image of the local apparel sector abroad, which was tarnished after the tragic incident. Mr Azim said the diplomats will see for themselves of the situation inside the factories including working conditions, workers’ rights, safety and compliance standards and other good practices. “As stakeholders, they will also help us brand the image of the local garment sector through sending out good message to their respective countries,” he noted
