The proverb goes, “Example is better than precept.” Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan suggested that all government agencies must transition to renewable energy within the next two to three years to set an example for the nation.
Even though government agencies are instructed to set examples, it is imperative for the private sector, particularly RMG, to strive towards adoption of green technology rapidly.
The social and environmental issues in the RMG sector and the status of female garment workers were recently revealed in the 24-month cohort study, undertaken by icddr,b with support from Global Affairs Canada.
The study's key findings on reproductive health showed that two out of every three female garment workers were married before reaching 18 years of age, and nearly 65% of them had their first pregnancy before turning 18.
Female garment workers are also victims of violence, both at home and in the workplace. The rate of violence by their husbands against the female workers was very high in the last 12 months, and all forms of violence, except sexual violence, increased further over the two years.
The prevalence of psychological violence in the workplace was also notably high, rising from 48% of workers at the start to 55% after two years.
Worryingly, though, almost none of the women who experienced violence sought formal help. The percentage of women who sought informal help (from family or friends) dropped sharply from 35% at the start to only 21% at the end of two years.
In cases of workplace violence, only one in five women reported the violence to the authorities at the beginning, and this figure remained unchanged after two years.
There are scarcities in offering services. Regarding factory services, the research found that although some counselling services on sexual and reproductive health are available, essential supplies are limited. Among the factories where the surveyed workers are employed, only 22% were found to provide sanitary pads, and only 14% reported family planning commodities available.
However, Bangladesh's apparel industry recently achieved a new global milestone in sustainable manufacturing, with 36 factories earning international environmental compliance certifications in a single year, surpassing the previous record of 30 in 2022.
With the latest surge, Bangladesh now has a total of 268 LEED-certified garment factories, including 114 Platinum, 135 Gold, 15 Silver, and four Certified facilities.
Notably, 68 of the world's top 100 highest-rated LEED-certified factories are located in Bangladesh, underscoring its role as a global benchmark in sustainable manufacturing.
A number of 22 factories received the highest-level LEED Platinum certification, which highlights Bangladesh's commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable operations. The certifications are awarded by the US Green Building Council under its globally recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system, which evaluates facilities against strict environmental standards that evolve over time.
Moreover, Bangladesh's apparel exports to the United States jumped 21.66% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2025, consolidating the country's position as one of the fastest-growing suppliers to the world's largest clothing market. Global buyers are diversifying sourcing beyond China, and Bangladesh is one of the biggest beneficiaries of this shift.
There are other factors too: The country's investments in green factories, worker safety, and social compliance over the past decade have made it an attractive sourcing hub for US and European retailers.
Furthermore, the current interim government recently ratified three important conventions of the ILO. The conventions are: Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155); Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187); and Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190).
Particularly, Convention No. 190 provides the first international definition of violence and harassment in the world of work in Article 1(1)(a), which refers to a “range of unacceptable behaviours and practices, or threats thereof, whether a single occurrence or repeated, that aim at, result in, or are likely to result in physical, psychological, sexual, or economic harm and includes gender-based violence and harassment.”
It is high time for factories to take serious note of the findings revealed in the first longitudinal study on sexual and reproductive health of female garment workers. The world of work is as important as earning international environmental compliance certifications. Collective efforts are to be launched in order to improve work condition significantly, while ensuring just transition for a sustainable RMG sector.
Oli Md Abdullah Chowdhury is a human rights worker.
