Inspectors target Ashulia factories
A government agency assigned to ensure labour-law compliance will begin inspections of around 600 garment factories in Ashulia today.
Three teams of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments will list compliant and non-compliant factories in the clothing industrial belt by December 31.
"Two inspectors, including an engineer, will be in each team. More teams will be formed if necessary," said Md Habibul Islam, chief inspector of factories.
“We will also identify the factories that are yet to get licences from us," said Islam, adding that the drive may expand across the country in phases.
As per law, inspectors can file cases with the labour court for non-compliance.
The initiative comes amid criticism that the agency does not regularly inspect the factories, especially those in the $20-billion export-earning apparel industry.
Its role came to attention after 112 workers were killed in a devastating fire at Tazreen Fashions in Ashulia on November 24. Factory management's non-compliance with workers' safety measures is blamed for the losses of so many lives.
There had been no inspections of the Tazreen factory since the agency issued a licence for an expansion of the unit in August 2011, said an official, asking not to be named.
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