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.

1. Readymade Garments Industry of
Bangladesh

2. 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.

3. 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.
Conti…

4. Improving Working Conditions in the Ready-Made
Garment Sector (RMGP) Programme In Bangladesh
Since the 1980’s, 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

5. Conti…
 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
Ready-Made 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
ILO

6. 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.
Conti…
ILO

7. 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 Employer’s Federation (BEF)
• National Coordination Committee for Worker’s Education
(NCCWE)
• IndustriALL Bangladesh Council (IBC)
• Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
ILO

8. 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

9. Growth of RMG Factories in
Bangladesh
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
1983-1984
1985-1986
1987-1988
1989-1990
1991-1992
1993-1994
1995-1996
1997-1998
1999-2000
2001-2002
2003-2004
2006-2007
2008-2009
2010-2011
2012-2013
N
o
.
o
f
f
a
c
t
o
r
y
Year
Growth of RMG Factories in Bangladesh
No. of
Factory
Bgmea

10. Major Apparel Items
Major Apparel Items Exported From Bangladesh, in Million USD
Bgmea

11. Bgmea

12. Top 10 Woven Garment Exports from
Bangladesh, FY2014-2015
Bgmea

13. Comparative Statement of RMG and
Total Export in Bangladesh
Bgmea

14. Thank You