Value fashion chain Primark and Zara owner Inditex have joined H&M in committing to signing a new fire and building safety code in Bangladesh, following the collapse of the Rana Plaza building, which has so far killed 1,100 people.

By signing the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh agreement, retailers commit to financing and implementing a joint fire and building safety programme. This will include safety inspections, remediation and fire safety training at supplier factories.

The Accord, initiated by the IndustriALL and UNI Global Unions, builds on the National Action Plan on Fire Safety (NAP), which aims to improve fire safety in Bangladesh. The two will work together by creating aligned programmes, communication and advisory structures.

A Primark spokesman said: “Primark is very pleased to support this initiative. The company has consistently believed that the collaborative approach facilitated through this agreement was the most likely initiative to bring effective and sustainable change for the better to the Bangladeshi garment industry.”

Primark added that the new framework will “complement” the work it already does through its Ethical Trade team in Bangladesh, which has been established for “a number of years”.

Primark has been providing food packages to households impacted by the collapse.

Inditex has also committed to the new code. This morning fashion retailer H&M pledged its support.

The Rana Plaza building collapsed on April 25. It housed five clothing factories that supplied retailers including Primark and Bonmarche.

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