Statement of the Bangladesh Accord Witness Signatories on the Imminent Expulsion of the Only Credible Factory Inspection Program in Bangladesh

Less than two months remain until the Bangladesh High Court’s decision to lift the restraining order against the Accord is set to expire, which would force the premature cessation of the Accord’s inspection program in Bangladesh. The purpose of this statement is to outline our expectations for company signatories should this occur and actions we believe can and should be immediately taken by company signatories, even at this late stage, to prevent this from happening. The only way to prevent the premature departure of the Accord’s inspection program from Bangladesh – and the dangerous consequences to worker safety as well as brands’ own finances and reputation it would bring – is for signatory brands to take immediate action. Details of the above-mentioned scenario, as well as our recommendations for how to avoid it, are outlined below.