BGMEA and Unilever Bangladesh have decided to join hands and improve the lives of 1 million RMG workers. The RMG manufacturers’ association and the global FMCG manufacturer also agreed to work together in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals in Bangladesh.

This partnership aims to ensure wellbeing and health of the garment workers over the next three years, thereby enhancing progress towards the relevant SDGs.

The MoU signing ceremony was presided over by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Md. Najibur Rahman who attended as chief guest. BGMEA President Dr. Rubana Huq and Nitin Paranjpe, Unilever’s global COO were also present.

According to the MoU, BGMEA and Unilever have agreed to work collaboratively on a few projects that ensure sustainability of the industry by improving the livelihoods of the labourers in three ways: 

a.       Health, hygiene and sanitation

b.       Use of recycled plastics (HDPE pellets or high-density polythene) in the RMG industry, especially as raw material for accessories and packaging

c.       Fair price shop ‘Aastha’ for improving real income and standard of living

The projects will focus on pursuing the following SDGs 

a.       GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being

b.       GOAL 5: Gender Equality

c.       GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

d.       GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

e.       GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal    

This partnership reaffirms the private sector’s commitment towards attaining SDGs in the garment industry.