Bangladesh sets global standard in ethical garment production: Report

The report, Beyond the Stereotype: Rethinking Bangladesh's Textile Industry, highlights Bangladesh's emergence as a leader in ethical and sustainable apparel production. With 240 LEED-certified green factories—more than any other country—and a surge in unionised labour, Bangladesh is redefining the global garment landscape.

Outdated media narratives continue to obscure the significant progress Bangladesh textile industry has made. This report challenges those misconceptions, dismantling the outdated myth of the country as a low-compliance, low-quality producer. It reveals how far-reaching reforms have transformed Bangladesh’s garment industry into a global leader in labour rights, environmental sustainability, and scalable industrial innovation.

"The world faces a triple threat: fractured supply chains, worsening climate shocks, and rising worker exploitation," said Taiwo Meghoma, a contributor to the report. "Bangladesh has done the hard work to confront these challenges – now it's time for the rest of the world to [reassess] how it engages with sourcing countries."

"In an era of fractured supply chains and escalating protectionism, Bangladesh is not just ready to step in – it already has," added report author Dr. Uchenna Ekwo. "What's needed now is a shift in how the world engages – with policies, sourcing strategies, and capital flows that reflect the Bangladesh of today, not the one remembered from a decade ago."

Bangladesh's garment industry has undergone a major transformation, becoming a global leader in safety, sustainability, and worker empowerment. Over 56,000 safety inspections and 1,40,000 upgrades have improved conditions for more than 2 million workers. The country now hosts 240 LEED-certified factories—98 of them platinum—demonstrating its leadership in green manufacturing. Union representation has grown significantly, with registered unions rising from under 300 in 2012 to over 1,300 in 2025. Gender equality initiatives have opened higher-paid roles for thousands of women, and with apparel exports hitting $38.4 billion in 2024, Bangladesh has emerged as a resilient and preferred sourcing destination.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)