More than 42 per cent apparel workers which means around 14 lakh out of a total of 33 lakh RMG workers did not benefit from the stimulus package, maintained the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) while underlining that despite being one of the poorest segments of the population and hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, they did not receive the support.
As per media reports, attending a virtual press meet on 17 December (Thursday), TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, said “The stimulus package was given from the public money, but the interests of the workers were not considered as a priority,” and went on to add the apparel workers who did not receive the benefits from the stimulus packages mainly work in micro-, small- and medium-sized factories.
Titled ‘RMG sector in Covid-19 crisis: governance challenges and way forward’, the TIB study was carried out between May and November.
A majority of the micro-, small- and medium-sized factories are engaged in subcontracting, stated Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further while adding that the main reason why around 42 per cent workers was not being able to benefit from the assistance, was mainly due to a significant delay in the disbursement of fund to the micro, small and medium enterprises.
As per reports, the total allocation of the stimulus packages for the readymade garment sector was Taka 62,879 crore, out of which Taka 3,789 crore was financial assistance from development agencies, brands, the European Union and countries such as Germany while Taka 59,090 crore came as a soft loan from the Government.
Meanwhile, strongly contesting the TIB report, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Dr. Rubana Huq, reportedly, underlined that the findings were not clear in many cases while suggesting TIB comes up with authentic findings if it wanted to correct anything in the sector.
The information about the non-payment to 42 per cent workers is not accurate, reportedly, maintained Dr. Rubana while adding the garment makers’ body will formally protest the TIB report next week.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
