Dhaka, April 22 -- UNI Global Union has urged international apparel brands to sign the International Accord as the most effective means to uphold worker safety in the Bangladeshi textile and garment industry and fulfil their supply chain responsibilities in Bangladesh and beyond.

UNI General Secretary, Christy Hoffman, made the call ahead of the ninth anniversary of the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in Savar. Over 1,100 workers were killed and 2,000 more were injured in the tragedy on April 24 in 2013, according to a press statement.

A total of 171 global fashion retailers have so far signed on to the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Garment and Textile Industry. The legally binding agreement continues and expands...