Bangladesh Ready-made Garment Industry started walking from the early ’80s, and it’s now got the full-fledged shape at its forty. It has become invincible now. No doubt, its adhering people have that guts to achieve further advancement.
For many years the garment sector of Bangladesh is known as ‘The cheapest labor marketplace’ amid the world, but the time has changed. The RMG sector has been improved immensely during the last 15 years. It’s now turning out the highest quality and world-famous branded garment products, and exporting them throughout the world, especially in western countries. ‘Made in Bangladesh’ tag has become the first choice for western shoppers.
Since the contribution of the RMG industry to the economy of Bangladesh is enormous, hence in our current issue, we are presenting an iconic personality of Bangladesh RMG sector – A.R.M. Shahidul Haque Apu. Considering the pros and cons of the RMG industry he has discussed about the genesis, evolution, development, challenges, and prospects of this industry meticulously. We have learned from him the hidden truths; the relation between workers and the employers, the labor law, compliance, collective bargaining, trade diplomacy, and so forth.
Securing the second largest exporter of RMG in the world, Bangladesh is now exporting apparels to 132 countries worldwide. The RMG –Journey was started in 1980 with only 30 factories, but now the number of factories has exceeded over 4,500, which has created jobs for over 4 million people among whom 85 percent of the workers are women. Most factories of this country are now under compliance. Bangladeshi RMG sector is currently undergoing the process of automation, which is creating tremendous job opportunities, especially for educated people.
Garment manufacturers and exporters of Bangladesh are now raising their voice to bring the buyers under the compliance regulations. This change would level the balance between the business entities. More concentration should be given in price-bargaining also. The owners, the government, and buyers should be more caring to the workers who are contributing 16 percent to the country’s GDP.
We implicitly believe that the “Made in Bangladesh” tag will take Bangladesh to a covetable height on the globe before long.
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Nasrin Nahar Jeneva
