Readymade Garments Industry of

Bangladesh

Introduction:
The readymade garments industry acts as the backbone
of our economy and as a catalyst for the development of
our country. We take pride in the sector that has been
fetching billions of dollars as export earnings and
creating jobs for millions of people in the country.
The Made in Bangladesh tag has also brought glory for
Bangladesh, making it a prestigious brand across the
globe. Bangladesh, which was once termed by cynics a
bottomless basket has now become a basket full of
wonders. The country with its limited resources has
been maintaining 6% annual average GDP growth rate
and has brought about remarkable social and human
development.

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After the independence in 1971, Bangladesh was one

of poorest countries in the world. No major industries
were developed in Bangladesh, when it was known as
East Pakistan, due to discriminatory attitude and
policies of the government of the then West Pakistan.
So, rebuilding the war-ravaged country with limited
resources appeared to be the biggest challenge for us.
The industry that has been making crucial contribution
to rebuilding the country and its economy is none
other than the readymade garment (RMG) industry
which is now the single biggest export earner for
Bangladesh. The sector accounts for 81% of total
export earnings of the country.

Improving Working Conditions in the Ready-Made Garment Sector

(RMGP) Programme In Bangladesh

Since the 1980s, the Ready-Made Garment (RMG)

industry in Bangladesh has experienced rapid
growth and is at present ranked as one of the top
exporters in the world. The RMG industry has made
a substantial contribution to the economy and
society by primarily providing a source of
employment for approximately three and a half
million workers, mostly women. This staggering
growth is undermined by the lack of safety in the
factories and industrial accidents, which has
defined the risks associated to RMG sector. Over
the past decade the RMG sector has witnessed a
number of industrial accidents including the recent
fire at Tazreen Fashions and collapse of the Rana
ILO

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Plaza which claimed the lives of hundreds of workers. These

accidents shocked the country and the international
community. In response to these accidents the Government
of Bangladesh and the development partners have
mobilised unprecedented support and made commitments
to improve working conditions and workers safety in the
RMG industry in Bangladesh.

The ILO Programme on Improving Working Conditions in the ReadyMade Garment Sector has been developed to support the
interventions identified in the National Tripartite Plan of Action on
Fire Safety & Building Integrity and recent commitments made by
the Government of Bangladesh. The programme is based on the
Joint Tripartite Statement by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB),
employers and the workers. Improving Working Conditions in the
Ready-Made Garment Sector programme is designed in line with
the priorities set in the Sixth Five Year Plan (SFYP 2011-2016) of
Bangladesh, which recognized the urgent need for job

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creation. The programme is jointly

funded by the
Kingdom of the Netherlands and the
Department for
International Development (DFID)United Kingdom.
The programme has been drawn up in
collaboration
with the Government of Bangladesh,
workers and
employers.

ILO

Key Partners:

Ministry of Labour and Employment

Ministry of Housing and Public Works
National Tripartite Committee on Fire and Building Safety
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters
Association (BGMEA)
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufactures and Exporters
Association (BKMEA)
Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF)
National Coordination Committee for Workers Education
(NCCWE)
IndustriALL Bangladesh Council (IBC)
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)

ILO

Project Strategy:

The ILO consulted widely with stakeholders of the RMG sector to identify
the areas where it can provide short term and long term support in
improving working conditions in the sector.

Based on the results of extensive consultations, the programme adopted

an approach that has five vital components :
Building and Fire Safety Assessment
Strengthen Labour Inspection & Support Fire and Building Inspection
Build Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) awareness, capacity and
systems
Rehabilitation and skills training for victims
Implement Better Work programme in Bangladesh
In three and a half years the programme will achieve immediate results in
terms of rapid action on building and fire safety and support to survivors;
as well as long term results in significantly improved legislation, capacity
and implementation in regulation of working conditions, initially in the
RMG sector but with the potential to expand to all sectors.

ILO

Growth of RMG Factories in

Bangladesh
Growth of RMG Factories in Bangladesh
N
o
.
o
f
f
a
c
t
o
r
y

6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
No. of
Factor
y

1000
0

Year

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a

Major Apparel Items

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a

Major Apparel Items Exported From Bangladesh, in Million USD

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Top 10 Woven Garment Exports

from Bangladesh, FY2014-2015

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Comparative Statement of RMG and Total Export in Bangladesh

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Thank
You