Staff Reporter :
The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday extended till May 19 the tenure of Accord, the factory inspection mechanism set up by European fashion labels.
A four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain passed the order after adjourning the hearing on a petition filed by Accord challenging a High Court judgment that asked the agency to stop activities until May 19.
The court passed the order after it was informed of a meeting between Accord and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
The court also ordered Accord to come at a negotiation with the government on the matter.
Advocate K S Salahuddin Ahmed, a lawyer for Accord, told that Accord can function in Bangladesh till further hearing of Accord’s appeal by the SC.
Previously, after the five-year-term of Accord expired on November 30, the matter of its extension went to the High Court which ordered a stop.
Matters were then taken on to the Supreme Court, which deferred the hearing multiple times previously.
The Accord conducts inspection and remediation activities for more than 200 global clothing retailers and brands.
International campaigners, however, say the safety of workers could be at risk if Accord is shutdown.
The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday extended till May 19 the tenure of Accord, the factory inspection mechanism set up by European fashion labels.
A four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain passed the order after adjourning the hearing on a petition filed by Accord challenging a High Court judgment that asked the agency to stop activities until May 19.
The court passed the order after it was informed of a meeting between Accord and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
The court also ordered Accord to come at a negotiation with the government on the matter.
Advocate K S Salahuddin Ahmed, a lawyer for Accord, told that Accord can function in Bangladesh till further hearing of Accord’s appeal by the SC.
Previously, after the five-year-term of Accord expired on November 30, the matter of its extension went to the High Court which ordered a stop.
Matters were then taken on to the Supreme Court, which deferred the hearing multiple times previously.
The Accord conducts inspection and remediation activities for more than 200 global clothing retailers and brands.
International campaigners, however, say the safety of workers could be at risk if Accord is shutdown.
