Replacing nearly 31 per cent of workers, automation has significantly reduced the demand for human labor in Bangladesh's garment sector, says a new report titled, ‘Assessment of Technological Transition in the Apparel Sector of Bangladesh and Its Impact on Workers.’
Jointly conducted by Solidaridad Network Asia, Bangladesh Labor Foundation, and BRAC University, the report shows, labor requirement in Bangladesh’s sweater factories have reduced by almost 37 per cent per production line. On the other hand, labor demand in woven factories has declined by 27 per cent. The highest reduction of 48 per cent is witnessed during the cutting process followed by 26.57 per cent during the sewing operations.
Shahidur Rahman, Professor - Economics and Social Sciences Department, BRAC University, notes, while beneficial in some respects, automation poses significant challenges for workers—particularly women, those with low literacy, unskilled laborers, and older employees.
The industry’s shift to automation has created an urgent need to address workers' adaptability and security in this changing landscape, emphasises Rahman.
Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Chairman, Labor Reform Commission, highlights, there is a need for a clear plan to determine the number of workers that can be retained in the sector and ways to utilise the existing workforce.
He urges the entrepreneurs, government, and trade unions to collaborate in order to ensure a balanced approach between automation and workforce needs. He also emphasises on the need for an investment in research to maximise the potential of Bangladesh’s workforce.
Miran Ali, Member-Support Committee, BGMEA, notes, the sector should address external inefficiencies, such as power shortages and road congestion that impact worker productivity.
High input costs, such as utilities and logistics, prevent the sector from raising labor wages, he points out. To enhance the sector’s overall efficiency, the government needs to increase automation within its own departments, he adds
AHM Shafiquzzaman, Secretary, Ministry of Labor and Employment, opines, automation is required in the sector for it to survive and grow. He urges workers to remain informed about technological advancements besides announcing plans to establish an ‘Employment Department’to address fluctuations in labor market demand and supply.
