The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have held a crucial meeting aimed at addressing workplace safety in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The meeting was a collaborative effort to ensure improved labor standards and strengthen safety protocols within the industry.

The RMG sector, which is one of the largest contributors to Bangladesh’s economy, has been under increasing scrutiny for its workplace conditions, especially following major incidents like the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013. Since then, multiple initiatives have been launched to improve safety standards in factories across the country.

The ILO and BGMEA emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable, safe working environment that complies with international labor laws and regulations. The discussions included strengthening the capacity of factories to adhere to safety norms, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing training for both workers and management.

Both organizations stressed the need for continuous dialogue between government bodies, employers, and trade unions to ensure better workplace practices. They also called for more transparent monitoring systems to track progress and address any gaps in safety measures.

With this meeting, the ILO and BGMEA aim to advance workplace safety, which is expected to further boost Bangladesh’s RMG sector, making it more competitive and attractive to global buyers while ensuring the well-being of its workers.