Global buyers feel more confident and interested in sourcing garments with “Made in Bangladesh” tag because they know their products are manufactured in factories which are safe and environmentally sustainable where workers are empowered and have convenient working atmosphere, said Faruque Hassan, President of BGMEA.

“Massive safety initiatives along with extensive awareness raising training programs have led to remarkable transformation in Bangladesh’s RMG sector. The workers are more empowered and aware about their rights and welfare than ever,” he said.

Moreover, the industry made exemplary progress in the area of environmental sustainable, making the workplace more comfortable for the workers, he added.

He made the remarks while addressing a stakeholder engagement session of “RESPECT” program organized by Tesco, a UK-based retail company.  

The RESPECT program of Tesco aims to create a culture of respect and fair treatment among staff in garment factories.

Ms. Victoria Wellings, Group Quality Director, Tesco, Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Vice President of BKMEA, and Munir Uddin Shamim, Program Manager at Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Bangladesh also spoke at the event.

The representatives of the factories which participated in the RESPECT program were also present at the program.

In address as chief guest, Faruque Hassan said the culture of trust and respect is essential to long-term success in business as such practice boosts employees confidence and motivates them to perform better in their workplaces. 

He said garment factories in Bangladesh were taking many initiatives beyond legal obligation to ensure workers’ welfare. 

He called upon global buyers to collaborate with their suppliers and pay ethical prices to enable and encourage the factories to take more initiatives for the welfare of garment workers.

“Nobody can justify a lower price to produce a socially fair goods,” he added.