The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested all its members not to respond to recent letters from the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC), saying the matter requires further review.

Referring to the RSC's communication, the BGMEA said in a circular on Sunday that it had come to its attention that the managing director of the RSC had recently circulated a letter to factories regarding a non-OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) complaints mechanism.

"We would like to inform you that the matter is currently under review, and BGMEA management is in close communication with the RSC to clarify its position through constructive dialogue," the circular said.

The trade body also said a final position on the issue would be shared after discussions in the upcoming RSC board meeting.

"Until then, we kindly request all member factories not to respond to any communications, letters, or circulars from the RSC related to the non-OSH complaints mechanism. This will help ensure a consistent and coordinated approach aligned with BGMEA's policies and guidance," it added.

The RMG Sustainability Council (RSC), a permanent safety monitoring body in Bangladesh's export-oriented garment industry, has recently decided to expand its scope of work.

From November 16, the tripartite body, comprising representatives of the industry, brands, and trade unions, will begin monitoring issues such as employment contracts and termination, wages, leave and other benefits, as well as the state of freedom of association and collective bargaining for workers.

It will also look into cases involving child or forced labour and discrimination in the country's largest export-oriented sector, according to an RSC document.

Following the departure of two international inspection initiatives, the Accord and the Alliance, formed after the Rana Plaza building collapse in 2013, the RSC was established to carry out structural, electrical, fire, life safety, and boiler safety inspections, and to support and monitor remediation.

The council also conducts safety training and operates an independent occupational safety and health complaints mechanism available to workers in covered RMG factories.