BGMEA demands not to run illegal factories

The BGMEA has expressed regret over the loss of 16 lives in a fire at a washing factory in Mirpur's Shialbari. At the same time, the organization has demanded that no illegal factory should operate beyond the control of the regulatory body.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BGMEA said that the establishments in which the fire occurred are not BGMEA members. They are not even affiliated with any recognized industry body and do not fall under the RMG Sustainability Council. Therefore, these units are not part of Bangladesh's export-oriented ready-made garment industry. We hope that the Department of Factories and Establishments Inspection and the concerned authorities will take appropriate action in this regard so that such a tragic incident does not happen again in the future.

The statement also said that according to information from the fire service and law enforcement agencies, the fire started in a chemical warehouse. The toxic smoke generated from the explosion spread to nearby establishments, resulting in tragic deaths. BGMEA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance in the industry. It expects strict intervention from the government in this regard so that no illegal factory can operate beyond the control of the regulatory body.