Knitting factory fire

It took firefighters four hours to extinguish the blaze. Dozens of workers were injured as they desperately tried to escape down the narrow smoke-engulfed stairs. Those who died were unable to escape because many of the exits were blocked, and the fire extinguishers were not working.

Steps to improve health and safety in the industry, as well as legal action against those found responsible for criminal negligence in allowing the existence of such unsafe conditions, have to be taken. The Federation has also asked the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) to work to improve conditions in the industry.

Tragically, factory fires are all too common in Bangladesh. Obviously, this is very damaging to the image of Bangladesh's export-oriented garment industry.