M&S’ sourcing from Bangladesh has grown by at least 30 per cent year-on-year in the past three years. There is a big change in the garment sector. Now, owners are more proactive about protecting the production environment, where previously they were not. Bangladeshi garment units are now examples of factory safety after owners began correcting structural flaws with the help of Accord, Alliance and the government.

M&S has started purchasing diversified garment products from Bangladesh. It helps the factories with technologies, expertise, modern design and banking products so that the factory owners can survive in the business. It also helps its model factories increase their productivity.

In 2006, the British retail giant used to source garment items worth only $5 million from Bangladesh. In the current year, the value is expected to hit $700 million. M&S has no cap on sourcing items from Bangladesh. Today, Bangladesh is no longer just a source of basic garment items. It is also a major source for value-added products like formal dresses, men’s suits, formal blazers. M&S works with 12 green factories in Bangladesh. The country has no major competitor in the garment business. Myanmar and Africa have some way to go.