Higher productivity, workers’ wage hike and profitability are three important factors that need to work together for sustainability of the apparel sector of Bangladesh. This has been stated by an economist during a discussion on ‘Pains and Gains’ – a research paper on the progress made, impediments and the future of the garments sector – an event jointly organized by Daily Star and Bangladesh University.
To improve the competitiveness of the apparel sector, these factors need to work together, said Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue. Effective social dialogue has become essential to resolve some outstanding issues in the garment sector and to save the entrepreneurs, added Bhattacharya.
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He also suggested retailers, suppliers and other stakeholders share the remediation cost of factories to reduce the burden on manufacturers. It is pertinent to mention here that according to remediation work costs a garment factory US $ 614,000 on an average, according to a joint survey conducted by Bangladesh University in and State University of San Francisco – “Pains and gains of the readymade garments sector: Post 2013”.
Other analysts at the event also emphasized on promoting brand Bangladesh better. Also present at the event, Rubana Huq, Managing Director of Mohammadi Group, which is into garment production since 1986, underlined apparel manufacturers ‘want to brand Bangladesh as the most compliant supplier’.
The recent unrest at Ashulia over wage hike showed that Bangladesh needs further engagement of stakeholders. Debbie Coulter, Head of programme of Ethical Trading Initiative – an alliance of companies, trade unions and voluntary organisations working in partnership to improve the lives of workers across the globe – said the voice of workers needs to be heard in terms of health and safety.
