The recent incidents in Bangladesh, including Rana Plaza building collapse, Tarzeen and Spectrum fire accidents, have negatively impacted the growth of readymade garment (RMG) sector of the country. The clothing manufacturers of Bangladesh are massively challenged with fire safety and building code issues and in order to move forward, the industry should be understood in totality.
Speaking to fibre2fashion, managing director of Mohammadi Group, one of the leading apparel manufacturers of Bangladesh, Ms. Rubana Huq said, “The readymade garment industry in Bangladesh needs to be understood in totality. The country’s clothing sector needs infrastructural support along with price support from global buyers.”
“The workers need to be paid more and every year 10-15 percent increase in their salary cuts into the manufacturer’s margin,” she says.
According to her, with low margins and growing costs coupled with RMG sector being confronted with the possibilities of buyers shifting markets, the scenario gets to be increasingly difficult. “Therefore, we tend to secure contracts at extremely competitive prices that may not benefit us at the end of the day,” she informs.
“We keep on striving to improve the workers issues while there is a lot left to be done by the importers in terms of pricing,” she mentions.
However, Mr. Srinivas Reddy, director of International Labor Organization (ILO) country office for Bangladesh, says, “Both workers and employers must commit to safety and health at the work place.”
“Employers should provide workers with necessary protective equipment, information on health and safety and must enforce health and safety rules. Workers, in turn, should use the equipment and follow safety and health procedures and practices.”
Netherlands-based Hema retailer, an international retail organization and one of the participants in the Bangladesh textile industry safety deal states, “It is important that all involved parties – industry, government, labor organizations etc. - participate to improve the circumstances everywhere.”
