The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on Accord, the European agency for factory inspection and remediation, to February 18.

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

The apex court also fixed the date for further hearing ona leave-to-appeal petition filed by the agency on that day (Feb 18).

Accord’s lawyer Advocate AM Amin Uddin told The Daily Star the apex court adjourned the hearing as both parties will talk about Accord’s functioning.

Meanwhile, Accord can continue work.

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.