Bangladesh

The BNP, Bangladesh’s primary opposition party, says it will impose a nationwide hartal until 6:00am on Friday, March 6 as part of its protest against last year’s elections which it says were unfair. The hartal is in addition to an already ongoing blockade and protest across the country for the same cause. This latest round of political unrest has been ongoing since the beginning of the year and has disrupted much of the daily business in the country including service reductions at many embassies including that of the United States. (The Daily Star)
 
The High Court of Bangladesh is asking the government to explain why the ongoing political protests should not be declared unconstitutional. The move came after a petition was filed with the court on behalf of 4 major industry trade associations, including the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), seeking an end to the unrest that has taken a major toll on the country’s exports. The court had previously sent an order to the government on February 15 urging them to take “effective steps” to stop the violence. (Dhaka Tribune)
 
At least 30 people were injured at a garment factory on March 1 after workers stampeded out of the building amid a fire scare. Investigators say that a short circuit caused some sparking, which in turn sparked panic among the workers. A total of 18 workers were admitted to the hospital after the incident, 4 in critical condition. (Dhaka Tribune)
 
The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh has threatened to sever ties with more than a dozen garment factories after their failed to implement recommended safety measures. The Accord did convey to these facilities in letters sent last year that they would be subject to removal from the scheme if they failed to show any progress on their individual improvement plans. A total of 73 follow-up inspection reports were sent as of November 30 of last year. (Financial Express)
 
The government of Bangladesh has drafted a national, wholistic inspection policy outlining a number of provisions, including specifying jurisdictions for inspectors and authorities for assessment. The draft policy is aimed at upgrading the current traditional assessment system to meet international standards and ensure “modern, effective, and prevention-oriented labor inspections.” Government leaders also hope that a stronger inspection policy would help cut back on interference from external, international bodies. (Financial Express)
 
Labor leaders and workers at three apparel factories in Bangladesh staged a protest in front of the headquarters of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on March 3 demanding payment of back wages and for their factories to be reopened. Activists say that the factories were unlawfully closed four months ago and that the workers have not received their wages since. (New Age BD)
 
Export earnings from Bangladesh have increased 2.56% year-on-year during the first 8 months of the current fiscal year to reach US$20.31 billion. The head of the country’s Export Promotion Board said that exports increased by 5% and 5.15% in January and February respectively, even despite the ongoing political unrest in the country. (BD News24)
 
The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety has named Mark Chubb as its Chief Safety Officer. Chubb is a certified chief fire, safety, and health officer with over 30 years of fire safety and emergency management experience. In his role at the Alliance, he will oversee fire safety and training operations in Bangladesh and guide remediation efforts in all Alliance factories. Alliance Chair Ellen Tauscher praised the expertise that Chubb would bring to the group and said his role would be “critical” to the mission of the Alliance. (Global News Wire)