In the face of international criticism over the dangerous conditions in its garment factories, the Bangladesh government has passed a new law aimed at improving conditions – although the export-oriented factories which make up the bulk of the country's garment industry are exempted from a major provision.
The bill, which comes on the heels of several fatal fires and a building collapse that killed 1,129 workers, strengthens requirements for permits when factories add floors. It also mandates that factories contribute five percent of their profits to a welfare fund for employees. Export-oriented factories – which account for $18 billion in annual exports for Bangladesh -- are exempt from the provision.