Mahfuz Anam, Editor & Publisher of The Daily Star, underscored the imperative of sustainable development and ethical practices, affirming the newspaper’s commitment to promoting these principles. He highlighted ongoing collaborations with the ILO and other stakeholders to address industry challenges systematically.
Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director of ILO Bangladesh, applauded Bangladesh’s RMG sector for its strides in safety and compliance, positioning it as a global leader. He emphasized the pivotal role of Better Work Bangladesh in fostering partnerships across government, industry, and civil society to sustain these achievements.
Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), provided insights into the sector’s advancements post-Rana Plaza, while urging continued efforts to address emerging challenges amid Bangladesh’s LDC graduation.
Since its inception in 2014, Better Work Bangladesh has transformed over 470 factories, benefiting 1.3 million workers, with a significant gender parity of 51% female participation. Laetitia Weibel Roberts, Deputy Programme Manager at ILO, highlighted its impact on improving worker conditions and reducing non-compliance, setting a benchmark for global best practices.
Industry leaders, including Ashraf Ahmed from Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and Mohammad Hatem from Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), emphasized the program’s role in enhancing productivity and operational standards.
The roundtable also addressed crucial issues like gender equality, worker welfare, and skill development. Shakil Chowdhury of the International Trade Union Confederation-Bangladesh Council (ITUC BC) stressed the need for robust unionization to strengthen labor rights.
Firoz Chowdhury from Prothom Alo highlighted the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability within the RMG sector, echoing the importance of data-driven reporting.
Looking ahead, the consensus among stakeholders included expanding Better Work’s impact beyond RMG to other sectors, advocating for policy reforms, and enhancing worker empowerment through education and training.
In conclusion, the event celebrated Bangladesh’s progress in the RMG sector while charting a course for future growth anchored in ethical practices and sustainable development. The collaborative efforts of stakeholders underscored a collective commitment to elevating Bangladesh’s global competitiveness while ensuring fair treatment and rights for all workers.
