Ethical Manufacturing in Bangladesh: Sewing machines transformed into blooming flowers symbolize ethical production.

Ethical Work Revolution: Transforming Bangladesh's Garment Industry

Lena Voss in Business & Economy August 2025 • 4 min read.

"How Decent Work Standards, Empowered Workers, and Strategic Collaborations Can Secure a Sustainable Future for the RMG Sector"

Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) sector is a powerhouse, driving economic growth and providing livelihoods for millions. However, this success has often come at a cost, with concerns about worker safety, fair wages, and ethical treatment casting a shadow over the industry. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny from international organizations, consumers, and activists demanding change and holding brands accountable for the conditions in their supply chains.

The concept of "decent work," as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), is at the heart of this transformation. Decent work encompasses opportunities for productive employment, fair income, workplace safety, social protection, and the freedom for workers to voice their concerns and organize. For Bangladesh's RMG sector, achieving decent work is not just a matter of ethics but a crucial step towards long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the global market.

This article delves into how ethical human resource management (HRM), empowered trade unions, and a renewed sense of moral responsibility are driving positive change within Bangladesh's RMG sector. It examines the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as the industry strives to create a more equitable and sustainable future for its workers and the nation.

What Does "Decent Work" Actually Look Like in the Garment Industry?

Ethical Manufacturing in Bangladesh: Sewing machines transformed into blooming flowers symbolize ethical production.

The ILO's "Decent Work Agenda" provides a clear framework for what constitutes ethical and sustainable employment practices. The agenda is built on four key pillars, each addressing a critical aspect of worker well-being:

These four pillars work together to create a holistic approach to improving working conditions and empowering garment workers. When implemented effectively, these principles can lead to increased productivity, improved worker morale, and a more sustainable industry overall.

Employment Creation: Focuses on creating opportunities for productive and fairly compensated work, enabling individuals to lift themselves out of poverty.
Social Protection: Ensures workers and their families have access to social security, healthcare, and other essential services to protect them from economic hardship.
Rights at Work: Upholds fundamental human rights, including freedom of association, collective bargaining, and protection against discrimination and forced labor.
Social Dialogue: Promotes open communication and collaboration between employers, workers, and governments to resolve workplace issues and ensure fair treatment.

In Bangladesh, the implementation of these pillars faces several challenges, including pressure to maintain low costs, a history of weak enforcement of labor laws, and resistance from some factory owners. Overcoming these obstacles requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including international buyers, the government, factory owners, and workers themselves.

A Call to Action: Building a More Ethical and Sustainable RMG Sector

The journey towards decent work in Bangladesh's RMG sector is ongoing, but the progress made in recent years offers a reason for optimism. By embracing ethical HRM practices, empowering workers through strong trade unions, and fostering a culture of moral responsibility, the industry can create a more sustainable and equitable future. This requires collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to upholding the rights and well-being of all garment workers. The future of Bangladesh's RMG sector depends on it.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1108/pr-01-2018-0001, Alternate LINK

Title: “Decent Work” In The Ready-Made Garment Sector In Bangladesh

Subject: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Journal: Personnel Review

Publisher: Emerald

Authors: Sardana Islam Khan, Timothy Bartram, Jillian Cavanagh, Md Sajjad Hossain, Silvia Akter

Published: 2019-02-04

Everything You Need To Know

What does the "Decent Work Agenda" entail in practical terms for Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) sector?

The "Decent Work Agenda," championed by the International Labour Organization (ILO), is built upon four key pillars: Employment Creation focuses on fair compensation and productive work to alleviate poverty; Social Protection ensures access to healthcare and social security; Rights at Work defends freedom of association and protects against discrimination; and Social Dialogue encourages open communication between employers, workers, and governments to resolve workplace issues. The agenda as a whole aims to create a holistic approach to improving the well-being of garment workers, boosting productivity and morale, and ensuring a sustainable industry.

How can ethical human resource management (HRM), strong trade unions, and moral responsibility drive positive change in Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) sector?

Ethical human resource management (HRM) plays a crucial role by prioritizing fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and respect for workers' rights within factories. Strong trade unions empower workers to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. A culture of moral responsibility encourages factory owners and managers to prioritize the well-being of their employees, fostering a sense of dignity and respect throughout the production process. When these elements work together, the industry fosters a sustainable and equitable future for workers and the nation.

What are the primary challenges in implementing the "Decent Work Agenda" within Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry?

Several challenges hinder the implementation of the Decent Work Agenda in Bangladesh's RMG sector. These include the pressure to maintain low production costs to compete in the global market, a history of weak enforcement of existing labor laws, and resistance from some factory owners who may be unwilling to invest in improved working conditions or respect workers' rights. Overcoming these obstacles requires a collaborative effort from international buyers, the Bangladesh government, factory owners, and workers to improve industry wide practices.

How do international organizations, consumers, and activists contribute to holding brands accountable for ethical practices within the ready-made garment (RMG) sector?

International organizations, consumers, and activists hold brands accountable by scrutinizing their supply chains and demanding transparency regarding working conditions, wages, and ethical treatment of garment workers. Increased media coverage and consumer awareness campaigns highlight instances of worker exploitation, putting pressure on brands to improve their practices and ensure that their products are manufactured in ethical and sustainable ways. Certifications and labels are also used to inform consumers about products that meet specific labor and environmental standards.

What specific actions can Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) sector take to secure a sustainable future focused on ethical labor practices?

The ready-made garment (RMG) sector can secure a sustainable future through a combination of factors, including adopting ethical HRM practices, empowering workers through trade unions, fostering a culture of moral responsibility, and implementing the ILO's Decent Work Agenda. This involves not only adhering to labor laws and international standards but also investing in worker training and development, promoting gender equality, and ensuring safe and healthy working environments. Transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain are also crucial for building trust with consumers and stakeholders, ultimately leading to a more resilient and responsible RMG industry.