Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector is much safer than in 2013 when the Rana Plaza disaster occurred.
Dramatic improvements are taking place that are bringing the sector up to world-class standards. The country has made progress on workplace safety, especially with the support of buyer-led initiatives like Accord and Alliance.

However there is still work to be done on factory and building safety. Efforts to ensure remediated factories stay safe must be continued. Workers must be properly trained on safety practices.

Above all there is need for a quick resolution on Accord’s and Alliance’s extensions in Bangladesh. Delays in approving their extensions will send a negative signal to buyers and consumers that Bangladesh is not committed to workplace safety.

Resolving the long-standing labor rights concerns will help Bangladesh focus on preparing for its future as a middle income country and, eventually, a developed country.

Bangladesh is preparing to graduate from least developed country status in 2024.

Child labor is being weeded from hazardous jobs. Labor laws are being made worker-friendly. The country is now very proactive, candid and open in terms of having discussions over labor issues.

A training program has been launched for around 0.8 million readymade garment workers.