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Exploring Social Responsibility Practices in the Garment Supply Chain of Bangladesh: Challenges and Future Directions

Students & Supervisors

Student Authors
Sumit Paul
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Sanjeda Alam Chaity
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Supervisors
Md. Mortuza Ahmmed
Associate Professor, Faculty, FST

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to identify the state of affairs of social responsibility practices within the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) supply chain in Bangladesh. It is interested in finding out prevailing concerns regarding workplace safety, wage transparency, gender equality, compliance of factories, and environmental sustainability and suggesting holistic and future-secure solutions. Data and Methodology: It is based solely on secondary data collected from internationally accredited sources like International Labour Organization (ILO), World Bank, BGMEA, Statista, and Human Rights Watch. A qualitative research was conducted to explore trends, comparative indicators, and policy weaknesses in five key areas of social responsibility. Findings: The study found uneven development in all five areas. Work accidents dropped after 2013, while safety improvements have leveled out. Wages lag rising cost of living for workers' actual income. Women's representation dominates industry jobs while profound underrepresentation persists in executive roles. Disjointed compliance persists as factories remain under remediating or uncertified status. Even Vietnam lags behind Bangladesh in reducing per-unit emission of greenhouse gases to produce clothing. Research Implications: The paper asserts a pressing need for thoroughgoing reforms beyond a mere formality of compliance. It proposes technologically enabled solutions such as safety tracking powered by AI, CPI-driven wage systems, gender development targets, blockchain-based compliance tracking, and carbon credit as rewards. Originality: While other researches treated these issues in isolation, this work provides a comprehensive, multi-dimensional answer to transforming Bangladesh's RMG sector into a globally competitive, ethical, and sustainable sector.

Keywords

Social Responsibility Garment Supply Chain Bangladesh RMG Sector Sustainability Practices.

Publication Details

  • Type of Publication:
  • Conference Name: International Conference on The future of Business: Innovation, Technology and Sustainability
  • Date of Conference: 11/09/2025 - 11/09/2025
  • Venue: Faculty of Business Administration, University of Chittagong
  • Organizer: BBR, FBA, University of Chittagong (CU)
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