Comment to the tragic fire at Aswad Knit Composite factory in Bangladesh
Our thoughts go out to the ones affected by the devastating fire yesterday at Aswad Knit Composite factory in Bangladesh. The tragic accident happened at a factory that does not produce garments for H&M.
Aswad Knit Composite factory makes fabric and yarn for many different factories that produce garments, including Aswad Composite mills Ltd, which is an approved garment supplier factory for H&M. Fabric producers are second tier suppliers to H&M and hence we have no direct business relation with them.
Although H&M garments were not produced in the factory, we as an active and big stakeholder in Bangladesh want support a constructive and speedy remediation process. Our team in Dhaka is closely involved in the ongoing process and engages with the local stakeholders to stress the importance of a clear revalidations plan that secures the workers affected. The fire and building safety issues are a priority for H&M in Bangladesh. We are working through a broad coalition under the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh to improve the Bangladesh’s textile industry in order to make it safer.