From compliance to excellence: transforming social responsibility in Bangladesh's RMG sector

Abstract

The Ready-made Garments (RMG) industry in Bangladesh, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy, has experienced substantial expansion since its establishment in the late 1970s. Nevertheless, the expansion has been accompanied by difficulties in the implementation of social compliance management practices, which involve several aspects such as labor rights, safety measures, environmental considerations, and regulatory enforcement. This study examines the progression of Bangladesh's RMG sector from compliance to achieving a high standard of social responsibility. In recent times, Bangladesh has developed as a prominent global exporter of garments, securing its position as the second-largest in the industry. This article provides an overview of the historical backdrop of the RMG business in Bangladesh, emphasizing its swift rise and the challenges it has encountered, encompassing several incidents. To tackle these difficulties, Bangladesh has implemented a range of programs aimed at improving social compliance management practices encompassing legislative reforms, international collaborations, and business endeavors that seek to protect worker rights, advance eco-friendly practices, and fortify the ethical framework of the industry. The study additionally examines the impact of consumer awareness and the global emphasis on social compliance, which have led to beneficial transformations within the sector. Notwithstanding these accomplishments, the study underscores the necessity for further measures to guarantee sustainability. The recommendations encompass enhancing regulatory frameworks, creating transparency, allocating resources toward worker training, empowering workers through unionization, enhancing safety and building standards, increasing teamwork, and advocating for environmental sustainability. By adopting the aforementioned suggestions, the RMG industry in Bangladesh can further advance its efforts in effectively managing social compliance, thereby safeguarding the well-being of its workforce and promoting the long-term sustainability of the sector.