The much-hyped safety platform Nirapon which came into existence following the departure of Alliance seems to have created some controversy after garment manufacturers of Bangladesh recently raised questions over its activities.
The garment manufacturers have alleged that Nirapon – which was formed this year by 23 brands and retailers, including Walmart – has been creating confusion over safety standards besides adding new cost burden in the name of monitoring and training.
The apparel manufacturers raised their concerns at a views exchange meeting of stakeholders organised by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on 29 September.
It may be mentioned here that as per earlier reports, Nirapon’s role was supposed to be slightly different from Alliance. If Alliance worked directly with factories to drive remediation and training programmes, Nirapon’s would be of oversight and independent verification of safety and training compliance and, to report these results to the members.
“Nirapon builds on the achievement of Alliance’s successful remediation efforts and our goal of worker safety remains the same. However, the Nirapon model is fundamentally different,” underlined the proud CEO of the platform Moushumi M. Khan, at the formal launch of the platform earlier.