Bangladesh’s garment sector recognised for safety

According to Faruque Hassan, President, BGMEA, the readymade garment industry of Bangladesh has been recognised globally in terms of worker safety, industrial relations, and sustainability. Faruque also quoted that the RMG industry has earned global recognition because of unprecedented strides in the past years. The industry has been able to respond well on issues related to workers’ rights and compliance. Other issues that the industry has been able to cater to are the elimination of Child Labour, timely payment of wages, ensuring the minimum wage, hygiene at the workplace, and overtime issues.

He added that there has been a shift in the areas of fire, electrical, structural, and safety at the workplace which was supported by donors and international brands. Several amendments have been made in the Labour Law to ensure the safety and well-being of the workers at the workplace, he added.

He also commented that the formation of a safety committee in every factory has been made compulsory. Along with that, the participation of the workers’ committee has able been made mandatory through elections. He further announced that the central government has made a fund wherein the garment factories are contributing $10 million of their export receipts that will be used for the welfare of the workers. A seminar was conducted to discuss all these issues and Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the guest of honour.