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Every industry, instead of just the garment sector, should be allowed to import fire safety equipment at reduced rates to safeguard workers’ rights and broaden Bangladesh’s image abroad, said entrepreneurs at a meeting yesterday.
High duties often make it impossible for small and medium entrepreneurs to avail adequate protection measures, said Md Niaz Ali Chisty, chairman of the FBCCI Standing Committee on Fire Safety, Disaster and Explosion.
Separate permits are required for the import of carbon dioxide, foam, dry powder and other fire-retardant gases and chemicals, he told the committee’s first meeting at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI).
Samples from imports need to be tested at the Bangladesh Standards & Testing Institution’s Dhaka office while the cargo must lie in wait in containers at ports for eight to 10 days, raising costs, he said.
Addressing as chief guest, FBCCI Vice President Md Amin Helaly urged entrepreneurs to start manufacturing fire safety equipment locally, says a press release.
Abu Nayeem Md Shahidullah, advisor of the FBCCI’s Safety Council, said the FBCCI had already contacted International Labour Organization to start providing safety training in industries.
The government is also considering setting up a one-stop service at the national level to provide all fire safety certificates and permits, he informed.
The meeting formed a sub-committee to formulate a policy identifying problems and an action plan to ensure fire safety in factories. Abu Motaleb, director-in-charge of the committee, said they would soon prepare the policy.
(TDS)
