13/09/2026
Stakeholders Call for Stronger Labour Rights and Gender-Responsive Workplaces in Chattogram RMG Sector, Stakeholders from the RMG industry, government, civil society and media have called for stronger action to ensure workers’ rights, safe working conditions and gender-responsive facilities in Chattogram’s garment sector.
The call was made at a stakeholder dialogue organized by চট্টগ্রাম সিএসও হাব, with a joint initiative of Bright Bangladesh Forum (BBF) and ActionAid Bangladesh , under the “Supporting the Unity and Sustainability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to Uphold Human Rights, National Integrity and Rule of Law in Bangladesh (SUSHIL)” project.
The dialogue presented findings from an assessment of 30 RMG factories involving 200 women workers. Of the factories assessed, 20 were identified as compliant and 10 as non-compliant. Key concerns included appointment letters, maternity rights, breastfeeding facilities, separate and hygienic sanitation facilities, menstrual hygiene and safe grievance mechanisms.
Participants emphasized that compliance should not be limited to documents and inspection checklists; workers’ real-life experiences must also be considered.
Chair Utpal Barua, Chief Executive, Bright Bangladesh Forum, stressed that workers’ rights and dignity are fundamental to a sustainable RMG industry and called for stronger collaboration among industry and relevant institutions.
Ridoanul Hakim Riad, Manager, Bright Bangladesh Forum, said the assessment was intended to identify gaps and support improvement, not to blame factories.
“The real question is not only whether a factory is compliant on paper, but whether a worker actually experiences a compliant workplace. We want compliance to be visible not only on inspection day, but every day in the life of a worker.”
He also called for time-bound corrective action plans for non-compliant factories and a 90-day follow-up mechanism.
A.M. Mahbub Chowdhury, Advisor, BGMEA, and Md. Saifullah Monsur, Director, BGMEA Chattogram, "highlighted the importance of stronger compliance and responsible industry practices"
Kusum Akter Soma, Assistant Inspector General, DIFE, "emphasized effective labour-law implementation and corrective measures" Shilpi Rani Debnath, Inspector of Police, Industrial Police-3, "highlighted worker safety, industrial peace and preventive coordination"
Kazi Mahfuzul Haque, Senior Reporter, Ekhon TV, "stressed the importance of evidence-based media reporting and follow-up on stakeholders’ commitments"
Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, Senior Executive, BGMEA, and Kamal Chakraborty, Advisor, Chattogram CSO Hub, also participated in the discussion.
The session was conducted by Md. Adnanur Rahman, President, Chattogram CSO Hub.
The dialogue called for corrective action plans, employment documentation, gender-responsive facilities, effective breastfeeding facilities, hygienic sanitation, maternity and menstrual health support, safe grievance mechanisms and a 90-day review of progress.
