Bangladesh National Building Code: Garment exporters form committee for review

Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) exporters have formed a high-level committee to review provisions of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC), particularly those affecting factory layouts. 

This comes amid growing calls to align local regulations with international standards, such as the International Building Code (IBC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the labour law.

Industry insiders say the committee, headed by former Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) president and Knit Asia Chairman A Matin Chowdhury and comprising senior industry leaders and technical experts, will examine inconsistencies in the code and recommend necessary clarifications or revisions.

The body is also working on developing a unified industry position on the issue.

Industry leaders expect the committee to submit recommendations aimed at ensuring greater clarity in the BNBC while maintaining compliance with globally accepted safety standards.

The move comes as manufacturers face conflicting interpretations of BNBC provisions during safety audits.

The initiative gathered pace following concerns raised by exporters over rules governing dining facilities within factory buildings, an issue highlighted in a formal letter from Epic Garments Manufacturing Co Ltd (Unit-7) to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president.