The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) strongly criticised a recent article in The Guardian that disparaged the nation’s garment sector, particularly its female workforce, which constitutes the majority of employees.
In a circular signed by BKMEA Executive President Mohammad Hatem, the article was deemed insulting to female garment workers, rejecting the notion that they should endure such hardships for a living.
Bangladesh’s garment sector, the second-largest globally after China, employs millions of workers, predominantly women, fostering their economic independence. BGMEA reports that the industry contributes to 83 per cent of Bangladesh’s export earnings, and the country surpassed China as the leading knitwear exporter to the European Union from January to September of the previous year.
The article triggered strong protests from RMG workers and their organisations, contesting the report.
