Bangladesh’s Supreme Court today extended the tenure of Accord, a European agency for factory inspection and remediation, till April 7.

A four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain passed the order after hearing today.

Additional Attorney General Murad Reza moved the time petition saying a negotiation is going on between the government and Accord.

The apex court also fixed April 7 for further hearing of a leave-to-appeal petition filed by Accord challenging the High Court directive that asked the agency to stop activities.

Previously, after the five-year-term of Accord expired on November 30, the matter of its extension went to the High Court which ordered a stop.

Matters were then taken on to the Supreme Court; which deferred the hearing on December 6 and December 10 previously.

The Accord conducts inspection and remediation activities for more than 200 global clothing retailers and brands.