Role of BGMEA in the Development of Bangladesh Readymade Garments (RMG) Sector

Md. Mehedi Hasan
B.Sc. in Textile Engineering
Barisal Textile Engineering College
E-mail: [email protected]

What is BGMEA?

Those who are doing job or study in Garments sector must know about BGMEA. BGMEA is building a strong backbone of Bangladesh’s economy. BGMEA actually the short form of – “Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association” which is one of the largest trade associations in our country representing the readymade garment industry particularly the woven garments, knitwear and sweater sub-sectors. BGMEA has started its journey in 1983 in our country. BGMEA plays a crucial role in promoting the interests of garment manufacturers and exporters, as well as advocating for policy changes to support the growth of the industry.

How BGMEA Runs?

BGMEA is consists of by 35-members. There are Board of Directors, those are elected person. The Board of Directors is elected for a two-year term. The Board of Directors takes assistance from different Standing Committees headed by a Chairman and composed of members having vast experience in the related fields. But the President is the highest executive authority of the association. In BGMEA election the entire disciplined are maintained with restriction.

Mission and Vision of BGMEA

BGMEA has some mission and vision. BGMEA works with the vision-

• To develop the RMG industry of Bangladesh
• To develop the economy of the country
• To protect and promote the interests of the industry
• To ensure all legitimate rights and privileges of the garment workers

Role of BGMEA in the Development RMG Sector of Bangladesh

BGMEA has played a remarkable role in transforming Bangladesh’s RMG sector into the second-largest apparel exporter globally by ensuring growth, compliance, and international competitiveness.

1. Trade Facilitation and Promotion:

Organizes Bangladesh Apparel and Textile Exposition (BATEXPO) since 1989 and the Chittagong Fabric, Apparel and Textile Exposition (CAFAXPO) since 2003.

2. Human Resources Development:

Job placement program for the people with-disabilities, training for the member factories on social and environmental standards, undertook program to enhance productivity and quality at factory.

3. Green and Clean Production:

Starting several programs with partners to assist all the member factories toward energy efficient and cleaner production.

4. Garments related education:

BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) established in 2012. Its main purpose to produce technically competent human resource for the garment industry. It offers short and long courses in apparel manufacturing, fashion design and merchandising.

5. Healthcare for the workers:

BGMEA provides healthcare facilities. BGMEA runs 12 Health Centers for the garment workers and their families. It provides pre – medical services and medicines at free of cost. It also aware workers about HIV/ AIDS and so on.

6. Increasing wages:

Discussed with Bangladesh government, BGMEA ensures better minimum wages for workers. The minimum wages of all the seven grades have been increased by around 81% on average.

7. The CSR initiatives of BGMEA:

BGMEA have started food rationing program for workers since 2009 and also taken particular projects for the rehabilitation of the returned camel Jokies from Dubai.

BGMEA for Rana Plaza’s Victim

BGMEA had given salary for Rana Plaza victims in the presence of middlemen and worker agitation. About 400 workers were lined up to get salary in the date of 08.05.2013. Salary disbursement to the affected workers was held at Savar Cantonment.

At last; According to this discussion we can say that, BGMEA plays a vital role for the development of garments sector in Bangladesh. The association also strives toward the betterment of the society and environment.

Roles of BGMEA in Compliance Issue of Garment Industry

BGMEA plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance within the RMG sector by enforcing safety, labor rights, and environmental standards. Here are its key roles in compliance:

1. Workplace Safety and Structural Compliance: Conducts factory inspections, fire safety drills, and remediation programs.
2. Labor Rights and Ethical Practices: Ensures fair wages, no child labor, and worker well-being programs.
3. Environmental Compliance: Promotes green factories, waste management, and reduced carbon footprint.
4. International Standards Compliance: Assists factories in meeting buyer requirements (ISO, BSCI, WRAP certifications).
5. Policy Advocacy: Works with the government to align labor laws with global standards.
6. Training and Capacity Building: Provides compliance training for workers and factory management.
7. Monitoring and Reporting: Tracks compliance progress and submits reports to stakeholders.
8. RMG Sustainability Council (RSC): Ensures continued workplace safety after Accord and Alliance transition.
9. Social Compliance Audits: Supports regular audits to maintain ethical sourcing and fair labor practices.
10. Chemical and Waste Management: Implements sustainable chemical usage policies (ZDHC program).

Besides, BGMEA played an important role in implementing and transitioning from the Accord and Alliance programs, which were launched after the Rana Plaza disaster (2013) to improve workplace safety in the RMG sector.

Conclusion:

The readymade garments industry acts as a catalyst for the development of Bangladesh. The “Made in Bangladesh” tag has become a symbol of quality, affordability, and reliability, positioning Bangladesh as a leading global player in textile and garment. BGMEA has played a pivotal role in the growth and global success of Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector. By ensuring workplace safety, labor rights, environmental sustainability, and international compliance, BGMEA has helped the industry become the second-largest apparel exporter in the world.

References: I have taken resources from Official website of BGMEA and different national dailies.

Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.

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