Bangladesh's apparel makers are finding it tough to carry out factory remediation program. Remediation programs were started last year after completion of initial inspections by western retailers. Garment factory inspections were launched to identify workplace risks and ensure safety compliances after the Rana Plaza building collapse that killed more than 1,100 workers. Some 3,000 garment factories have so far been assessed.

One reason for the slow pace of remediation is the unwillingness of many factory owners to repair flaws. Another is non-availability of safety equipment including fire doors, sprinklers and experts to install them. The recent political instability added to the difficulties. But apparel makers claim that most identified flaws have already been fixed, and that the main stumbling block is shortage of funds.

A factory needs to spend a sizeable amount to fix safety flaws. Some apparel makers are unwilling to spend their own money for improvements. They are looking for financing sources, either from Accord or Alliance, or others. There are some 3,500 garment factories in operation throughout Bangladesh though the real number is supposed to be higher as there are many units that are not affiliated with trade bodies and do sub-contracting.