Garment sector reform

IT is heartening to note that the Responsible and Accountable Garment Sector (RAGS) Challenge Fund of the UK government has yielded multiple benefits. The composite project has demonstrated how an increase of Taka 491 to the worker's monthly salary has boosted daily efficiency and productivity by 18.28 percent and 17.07 respectively. Of course, salary increase went hand in hand with better working conditions to produce the result.
The success of RAGS was ensured through working with high profile buyers such as Arcadia, Marks & Spencer, Mothercare, New Look, Sainsbury's and Tesco. Non-government organisations were associated as well.
With ActionAid, RAGS has reached over 208,000 workers imparting basic training on labour laws as well as how to approach owners to negotiate better working conditions.
Capturing the essence of the shining path example, Bangladesh Bank governor highlighted 'human rights, worker-friendly environments, capacity building of workers and supply chain interventions which will adhere to global standards and create a win-win situation for both employees, workers and factory owners.'
Although the project is approaching an end, it leaves ample scope to continue the activities under the four projects — led by ActionAid, Impact Foundation, Tesco and People Tree Foundation — through new funding and new partnerships as underscored by experts.
The message is loud and clear for all the stakeholders. Combined efforts are needed to exploit the full potential of Bangladesh garment sector as the world leader.