Walt Disney will buy clothes from Bangladesh again

America's Walt Disney Company is returning to Bangladesh after eight years to source high-end value-added garment items from the country as it improved working conditions and compliance in the garment sector_ according to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

Citing a source_ the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association or BGMEA on Friday night said Walt Disney had considered the inclusion of the country in its Permitted Sourcing Country list with International Labour Standard audits.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan welcomed the move by the Walt Disney in recognition of the  all-out progresses and transformation in the industry_ particularly in the area of workplace safety_ social standards and environmental sustainability .

Factories participating in the ILO s Better Work Bangladesh programme will be entitled to become a vendor_ while they need to participate in the Nirapon or RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) along with specific remediation fulfilment criteria.

The BGMEA said the industry has made  unprecedented efforts and investment to ensure safety covering fire_ electrical and structural integrity_ a robust follow up of factory remediation_ to create a culture of safety while promoting wellbeing of the workers over the past years.

The entire safety transformation programme was supported and facilitated by the government_ ILO_ international brands_ manufacturers and the global unions.

The Hong Kong-based supply chain compliance solutions provider  QIMA ranked Bangladesh as the second highest Ethical Manufacturing country in its recent report QIMA Q1 2021 Barometer.

The rating included performance against parameters like hygiene_ health and safety_ child and young labour_ labour practices including forced labour_ worker representation_ disciplinary practices and discrimination_ working hours and wages_ and waste management.

The study was conducted at a time when COVID disrupted the global fashion industry and supply chain_ and maintaining such level of compliance testifies our resilience and commitment.

 In addition_ the progresses made in the areas of cleaner and greener manufacturing testifies to the industry s commitment and actions toward building sustainable supply chain_ the association said.

The country being the home to the world s most LEED green factories_ having 144 LEED green factories certified by USGBC_ of which 41 are platinum_ earns the confidence of the global brands and consumers through its tireless efforts in past decade_ it added.

BGMEA continued_ as the only association in the world_ it was honoured with the 2021 USGBC Leadership Award for its leadership in promoting environmental sustainability and green industrialisation in the RMG industry.