Liberty Fashion demands resumption of factory operations

Bangladesh: Bangladesh-based garment manufacturing firm, Liberty Fashion Wears Limited recently demanded the resumption of the factory operations for the sake of 5,000 employees and their family members. In this regard, the export-oriented company also sought necessary support and cooperation from the Government of Bangladesh and other industry stakeholders.

Liberty Fashion’s Chairman and Managing Director, Mozammel Huq placed the demand at a press conference while claiming that the operations of the RMG unit at Savar has been suspended since June, 2013 following an “arbitrary report on workplace safety by buyer company Tesco-deployed frim Medway Consultancy Services (MCS)”. He further added that the company has suffered BDT 6.00 billion losses in the 40-month period of its shutdown.

Mr. Huq also claimed that the separate inspections were done by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturer’s Export Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and International Labour Organisation have found no fault in the established building. Moreover, he alleged that the MCS did not follow proper rules and procedures while inspecting the factory.

On the other hand, Tesco, Primark and Accord have not taken reports by BGMEA and BUET into consideration. Earlier in a report, the Accord had also mentioned that the factory management had not been willing to address the issues they faced despite the financial assistance and expert support provided by the body.