Accounting for 78.15% of our foreign exchange earnings in FY 2010-2011 and with 2011 exports at more than $17.91 billion, the RMG industry is a driving force in Bangladesh's growth. The growth rate of RMG export was over 20% over the last two decades. The garment sector competes with the world's best, with global companies and prestigious brands seeking out Bangladesh to produce their goods.

Women account for roughly 80% of the 3.6 million plus garment industry workforce, making an indispensable contribution to the national income as well as to their families' earnings.

From a literature review and secondary research, facts and figures of economic aspects were collected; helped understanding RMG's contribution to the economy.

In the quantitative stage, face-to-face interviews with RMG workers and other stakeholders were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires.

In the qualitative stage, in-depth information was collected on the perception of the Garment Industry and its workers using In-depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among different strata of society, including garment workers.

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About the Author:

The author is working as the Managing Director of Nielsen Bangladesh (formerly known as ACNielsen). He is actively involved with research for more than two decades on market and social issues.