The International Labour Organisation (ILO) yesterday expressed dismay over the death of seven workers from a fire at Aswad Composite Mills on Tuesday night.

"This latest fire to affect the readymade garment sector in Bangladesh reflects the sad and shocking truth that not enough is being done to address the safety and health of garment factory workers," Guy Ryder, director-general of the ILO, said in a statement.

He said workers are "still dying for reasons that could well be avoided if decent working conditions were in place" following the "staggering" loss of lives over the past year.

The ILO director-general, however, went on to acknowledge that the government and its social partners have been collaborating to improve working conditions, strengthen labour inspections and upgrade building and fire safety in RMC factories, following the Rana Plaza collapse in April.

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"But all efforts and commitments will be in vain until they translate into concrete actions to avoid further loss of life or injury to workers. The ILO, as always, stands ready to assist the social partners."

"The fire at Aswad Composite Mills should not be just the latest tragedy to beset the industry — it must be the last."

Meanwhile, John Hilary, executive director at War on Want, the anti-poverty charity which has partnered with the National Garment Workers' Federation in Bangladesh, came down on the brands that are yet to sign a legally-binding safety accord.

"How many further tragedies must occur before all the brands that source from the country sign the legally-binding safety accord? The less stringent pact agreed by retailers such as Gap and Walmart undermine efforts to stop this terrible mounting tide of avoidable deaths."

The factory's work order book in September contained orders from American brand Gap, British retailer Next, Swedish fashion label H&M, Australia's Target and French supermarket Carrefour, according to AFP.

Laura Kuennsberg, business editor of British TV channel ITV, added that British retailers Primark, Asda and Morrisons, had fabrics made at the Aswad Composite Mills.