The RMG industry has come a long way and positioned Bangladesh as the second largest apparel exporting country in the world. As the path to success is not always rosy, our RMG industry has confronted many challenges and difficulties. Bangladesh has witnessed a few unfortunate incidents in recent years, but we have learnt lessons from them and are trying our best to avoid further mishaps and ensure safe and sustainable industry. We believe our positive attitude to correct the incorrect and adopt the best are our strengths. We are progressing everyday and what we need most to continue our march forward is friendly support.

 Relief and rehabilitation work of BGMEA for Rana Plaza victims

• BGMEA took necessary steps to assist the survivors of Rana Plaza accident. The trade body has ensured payment of salary and allowances of all the workers and employees of five factories housed in the Rana Plaza and one more factory named New Wave located in Mirpur according to labor law within 15 days of the accident.
• BGMEA provided treatment and medical supports to 850 injured Rana Plaza victims keeping them at Apollo, United and Square Hospitals, NITOR, DMCH, BIRDEM, IPGMR, NICVD, Dhaka CMH, Sava CMH, Savar CRP, Enam Medical College Hospital, upazila health complexes and a few other clinics of Savar area.
• BGMEA donated Tk 2 crore to the Prime Minister’s relief fund for the families of the deceased workers.
• BGMEA gave Tk 35,000 to each of the 12 pregnant survivors for their delivery and treatment. 
• A total of 26 unfortunate workers have lost their limbs. CRP, HOPE Bangladesh, CDD and BRAC in coordination with BGMEA have provided them with artificial limbs.
• BGMEA, GIZ, CRP and ICRC have signed a MOU for the establishment of an “Orthotics and Prosthetics School” at CRP, which will facilitate the treatment of amputee victims of Rana Plaza and others.
• BGMEA handed over Rana Plaza orphan boys  and girls to ORCCA Homes, Chittagong and Anjuman  Mofidul Islam Orphanage, Savar.
• BGMEA also agreed to provide job to all jobless of the 5 garment factories located in the collapsed Rana Plaza. A total of 140 workers, who lost their jobs due to Rana Plaza tragedy, contacted BGMEA and were provided with jobs at different garment factories.

BGMEA’s Safety Initiatives:

• A team of 30 officials monitors the safety standards and social compliance in member factories.
• In addition, BGMEA appointed 10 engineers to strengthen safety inspection and monitor factory structural safety standards.
• In order to provide fire safety training to all member factories BGMEA hired 35 ex-defense officials who were trained by the fire department. This team will participate in rescue operation in case of any disaster at garment factory.
• BGMEA started fire safety “crash course” for mid-level factory management and supervisors and the course already covered more than 1400 factories.
• In addition to BGMEA’s safety initiatives, the government of Bangladesh has adopted the National Tripartite Action Plan facilitated by the ILO to ensure safe workplace. BGMEA is a part of this initiative and working sincerely to ensure workplace safety.
• Global brands and retailers have formed two safety platforms namely Accord and Alliance. BGMEA is working closely with both of these initiatives.
• BGMEA supported to organize the International Trade Expo for Building and Fire Safety, the first of its kind in Bangladesh, on February 23-24, 2014.

Prioritizing Workers’ Rights:

• The minimum wage of garment workers was increased from Tk3000 to Tk5300 in December 2013.
• The Labor Law 2006 was amended in July 2013 which is a step forward towards better workers’ rights.
• The Better Work Program of ILO was launched in Bangladesh in October 2013.  

Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina handing over a compensation cheque to the victims of Savar Rana Plaza tragedy at her office. BGMEA President Md. Atiqul Islam, Second Vice President SM Mannan (Kochi), Vice President Md. Shahidullah Azim, and Vice President (Finance) Reaz Bin Mahmood are also present there. 

BGMEA leaders along with ministers visited the Rana Plaza victims at hospitals and extended necessary financial and medical supports to them for proper treatment. 

The then State Minister for LGRD Jahangir Kabir Nanak, President of Old Rajshahi Cadets Association Shakhawat Hossain and BGMEA President Md Atiqul Islam are seen at the BGMEA auditorium in Dhaka with 10 orphans who lost their parents in the Rana Plaza collapse. BGMEA observed the 100th day of the Rana Plaza collapse to commemorate the victims and pray for the departed souls.

As part of fire safety initiative BGMEA recruited 35 persons who were trained by the fire department. The team will provide fire safety training to all member factories of BGMEA. The then Minister for Home Affairs Muhiddin Khan Alamgir awarded training certificates to the 35 persons.