BGMEA urges urgent factory inspections after quakes

Staff Reporter:

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called on its member factories to carry out immediate structural inspections following Friday’s earthquake, citing the risk of potentially dangerous aftershocks and the need to reinforce workplace safety systems.

In a notification issued yesterday, the industry body warned that major earthquakes are often followed by significant aftershocks that can threaten both life and property. “Therefore, it is very important for us to remain alert,” the BGMEA said.

With garment factories employing large numbers of workers, the association stressed the urgency of ensuring the structural integrity of factory buildings. It noted that various types of machinery produce constant vibrations, while sensitive areas such as elevators, boilers, generators, and substations pose heightened risks if damaged.

The BGMEA recommended that factories engage qualified structural or civil engineers to check for cracks and other structural weaknesses that could make buildings vulnerable to aftershocks or further seismic activity. It also advised separate inspections of elevators, boiler rooms, generator rooms, and substations by certified professionals.

Bangladesh was rattled by a 5.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday morning. On Saturday, two more tremors were felt—one at 10:36am measuring 3.3 and another at 6:06pm measuring 3.7 on the Richter scal.