In recent months, there has been a surge in rumors, misinformation, and negative campaigns aimed at Bangladesh’s ready-made garments (RMG) and textile industries. Competing countries have seized on isolated incidents of labor unrest to create a distorted image of the sector. This could potentially amplify unrest among Bangladeshi workers and affect the country’s position in the global garment market. However, these narratives overlook the significant progress the industry has achieved over the years in areas such as compliance, ethical standards, and worker welfare.
In recent months, there has been a surge in rumors, misinformation, and negative campaigns aimed at Bangladesh’s ready-made garments (RMG) and textile industries. Competing countries have seized on isolated incidents of labor unrest to create a distorted image of the sector. This could potentially amplify unrest among Bangladeshi workers and affect the country’s position in the global garment market. However, these narratives overlook the significant progress the industry has achieved over the years in areas such as compliance, ethical standards, and worker welfare.
Who is benefiting from the instability of the garment industry in Bangladesh?
The recent unrest in Bangladesh’s garment industry has received extensive coverage in the domestic media as well as in the global media, especially in Bangladesh’s competing neighboring countries. After the fall of the previous government, labor unrest and protests broke out in the Savar-Ashulia region over some of the workers’ demands. Incidents like vandalism of factories, car vandalism with fire connections and road blockades took place. Garment factories in the Ashulia-Savar region remain closed for some time. But the continued labor unrest despite the acceptance of all the 18-point demands of the workers points to something else. Certainly, neither owners nor the workers and as a whole people of Bangladesh, ultimately benefited from this labor unrest, however, several demands of the workers are going to be met.
In recent times, reports related to the fact that India is going to benefit the most as a result of the instability of the garment sector in Bangladesh have been published in well-known media such as ‘The Business Standard’, ‘Times of India’, ‘Economic Times’ and ‘The Indian Express’. ‘Bangladesh’s Loss May Become India’s Gain’, a report published recently by Indian media on the instability of Bangladesh’s garment industry begins with this line. Mahua Venkatesh, the author of the report published in India’s trade media ‘The Secretariat’, mainly highlights the recent unrest in Bangladesh’s garment factories and how India can take advantage of this unrest.
Recently, a garment manufacturing company in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, India, received a $54 million new garment production order. As the reason for this, they said, this work order came to them because of the instability of the garment industry sector in Bangladesh. India’s garment exports increased by 11.9 percent to $1.26 billion in August this year compared to August last year. India is now on its way to achieving high potential growth in the readymade garment sector. If those concerned in the garment sector of Bangladesh cannot reduce the volatility of this industry, there is a possibility that the garment industry will be handed over to India in the near future.
A bright future ahead
Bangladesh’s RMG and textile sector stands resilient in the face of propaganda and misinformation. It continues to be a global leader in ethical production, sustainability, and worker welfare. As buyers from around the world reaffirm their commitment to sourcing from Bangladesh, it is clear that the industry’s positive trajectory is unstoppable.
For foreign buyers seeking quality, compliance, and competitive pricing, Bangladesh remains one of the most reliable and forward-thinking apparel production hubs in the world. With continued investment in green factories, ethical practices, and worker empowerment, the country’s RMG industry is well-positioned to thrive in the years to come.
Commitment to ethical labor practices
The Bangladesh RMG industry is renowned for its dedication to improving working conditions. Over the last decade, there has been an industry-wide commitment to worker safety and welfare, driven by both government regulations and international buyer requirements. Many factories now hold internationally recognized certifications such as WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production), OEKO-TEX, and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). These certifications ensure that factories operate under strict labor, environmental, and safety standards.
One standout example is the Accord on Fire and Building Safety, initiated after the 2013 Rana Plaza incident. This legally binding agreement between global brands and trade unions has led to the inspection of over 2,000 factories and the remediation of critical safety issues. Today, Bangladesh boasts some of the safest factories in the world, with more than 500 LEED-certified facilities, making it a leader in green garment production.
Foreign buyers’ confidence in Bangladesh
Contrary to the negative propaganda, foreign buyers have consistently expressed their confidence in Bangladesh’s RMG sector. Brands like H&M, Zara, and Kmart Australia continue to source a significant portion of their apparel from Bangladesh, citing the country’s dedication to quality, compliance, and sustainable practices.
Kmart Australia, for example, recently acknowledged the strong partnership it has maintained with Bangladeshi manufacturers. A representative from their sourcing team stated, “Bangladesh has become a strategic partner in our global supply chain. The factories we work with are fully compliant with international labor standards and are deeply committed to improving worker welfare. The level of transparency and dedication to ethical production we see here is unmatched in many parts of the world.”
Similarly, the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) has praised Bangladesh’s garment industry for its commitment to fair wages and safe working conditions. Buyers from Europe and North America frequently note the country’s ability to maintain high standards of production while adhering to strict timelines, even in the face of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Worker welfare and training initiatives
Bangladesh’s garment sector has also invested heavily in training and upskilling its workforce. Numerous programs have been launched in collaboration with international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and brands themselves. These initiatives focus on empowering workers through education, providing health benefits, and offering opportunities for career advancement.
Factories are increasingly adopting worker-centric programs such as health and safety training, grievance mechanisms, and leadership training for women, who make up the majority of the workforce in the industry. Brands like H&M have initiated programs specifically aimed at empowering female workers, providing them with skills and leadership opportunities within the workplace.
The role of the media and propaganda
While it is true that no industry is without challenges, the recent attempts to vilify Bangladesh’s RMG sector are largely unfounded. Competitor countries may seek to gain an edge in the global market by casting doubt on Bangladesh’s achievements, but the facts speak for themselves. Daily newspapers such as The Daily Star and New Age have extensively reported on the sector’s positive developments, highlighting the efforts of industry leaders to maintain compliance and promote sustainability.
Furthermore, global trade publications have also praised Bangladesh for its resilient and adaptable garment industry. A recent article in Apparel Resources highlighted how Bangladeshi factories have swiftly adapted to rising demands for eco-friendly and sustainable production processes, making the country a preferred sourcing destination for environmentally conscious buyers.
