Bangladesh garment makers seek ILO's help on fair pricing, audits

These issues are critical as they directly or indirectly impact the well-being of workers in Bangladeshi garment factories.

The BGMEA president made this appeal during a courtesy call by an ILO delegation led by country director for Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen at the BGMEA complex recently. A key topic discussed was the need for a universally accepted unified code of conduct for social and technical audits.

He highlighted that inconsistent auditing practices can lead to unfair treatment of Bangladeshi factories and urged the ILO to spearhead the establishment of such a code. This initiative, he stressed, would benefit all stakeholders, including buyers, manufacturers, and workers worldwide.

Mannan also emphasised the necessity of fair minimum prices for apparels, arguing that without such pricing mechanisms, the industry’s sustainability and the workers' well-being would be at risk.

The ILO delegation included Mohamad Anis Agung Nugroho, programme manager of the Better Work Bangladesh project; Linnea Strand, programme and operations officer; and Md Saidul Islam, senior programme officer.

They discussed the progress of ongoing ILO-led initiatives, particularly the “Better Work Bangladesh” project, which aims to improve working conditions and ensure occupational safety for readymade garment (RMG) workers in Bangladesh.

The meeting also explored potential collaborations between the ILO and BGMEA to further develop the industry. They focused on capacity building to help the country’s garment industry comply with emerging global regulations, such as the EU’s “Due Diligence Directive,” and to promote the overall well-being of RMG workers.

BGMEA attendees included vice presidents Arshad Jamal (Dipu), Md. Nasir Uddin, Miran Ali, and Abdullah Hil Rakib, as well as directors Md Imranur Rahman, Shovon Islam, Haroon Ar Rashid, Md Mohiuddin Rubel, Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee, Saifuddin Siddiquie Sagar, and Md Rezaul Alam (Miru).

ANM Saifuddin, chair of the BGMEA Standing Committee on Labour and ILO Affairs, also participated in the meeting.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)