Bangladesh is the third largest exporter of garments to the US and a large exporter to Europe. Bangladesh's garment workers are among the hardest working in the world, and also the most exploited, earning the lowest minimum wage in the world.  The country has 5,000 readymade garment factories but the number of clothing factories with union representation is just about 200. Labor laws remain weak and enforcement is weaker still. Local industry enjoys outsized influence in the country's politics, which impedes the establishment and enforcement of rigorous regulation.

The infrastructure is creaky and the risk of factory fires is high. Apparel exports are the largest source of foreign exchange earnings. Without textiles, Bangladesh, already burdened by immense poverty, would see its economy collapse. As such, given the dire need for such jobs, for years, many western companies and Bangladeshi businessmen conspired to cut costs by keeping wages depressed and almost disregarding safety.

Even those who have criticized the poor infrastructure and corruption that endangers the lives of Bangladeshi textile workers admit that such jobs provide a way out of poverty and bondage for millions of the country’s women. Finding a job in a garment factory also prevents many young Bangladeshi women from the practice of marrying underage.

However, since the devastation at Rana Plaza, the textile industry has undergone some slow, but significant, improvements in working conditions, safety standards and job protection.