Bangladesh is now the global leader in LEED-certified factories in the world, with 54 of the world’s top 100-ranked factories now in the country. It is a remarkable turnaround for a nation that a little over a decade ago saw one of the darkest days in its history, when the collapse of Rana Plaza left a death toll of 1,134, and threatened to destroy the reputation of our one global export industry, with the collapse being the deadliest accidental structural failure in modern human history and the deadliest garment-factory disaster in history.
Since then, Bangladesh has worked tirelessly to reverse the reputation of its RMG industry, not just through world-class factories boasting the best safety, but also better conditions and wages for workers.
Suffice to say, Bangladesh has held its end of the deal. The question remains: What has going green done for Bangladesh’s RMG sector?
It is indeed a shame that Bangladesh is still offered the prices they are by international buyers, who have certainly not held up their end of the deal. Acknowledgement of Bangladesh’s transformation is just paying lip service; it is only when prices reflect this change will it amount to anything.
While the government deserves credit for its role in the transformation the RMG industry has experienced, it must also assist the industry in its pursuit for fairer prices from international buyers. Simultaneously, the buyers have a responsibility as well to not sit atop their high horses and moralize, but quite literally, put their money where their mouths are.
