Analyzing Sustainability from Bangladesh Garment Workers' Perspectives

This report delves into the perspectives of garment workers in Bangladesh regarding sustainability within the industry. It highlights the economic contributions of the garment sector to Bangladesh while also addressing critical issues such as worker satisfaction, child labor, and environmental impact. The report examines various stakeholder perspectives, including the impact of overexploitation of resources, consumer demand for fashionable products, and the use of eco-friendly practices. It also discusses the social and economic conditions of workers, including poor wages, overtime, and the prevalence of female workers. Furthermore, the report analyzes environmental concerns, such as dyeing effluents, water and land pollution, and the use of organic cotton. It also touches upon challenges like fire and security risks, trade union issues, and building collapses. Finally, the report explores the efforts towards sustainability, the role of government policies, and the need for reforms to improve the lives of garment workers and ensure the industry's long-term viability.

Bangladesh Garment
Workers Perspectives on
Sustainability

Sustainability is meeting the needs of present generations without affecting future
generation needs and requirements. This includes meeting of various goals and completing the
needs of human by sustainably organising the resources. In industrial terms, sustainability can be
defined as making profits without damaging the activities of the environment. The garment
industry in Bangladesh is contributing 6% growth rate in the economy of the country (Berglund,
and Gericke, 2016). This country is leading the in the world in terms of cloths exporters. The
garment industry of Bangladesh has employed 3.6 million employees out of 150 million people.
Workers of Bangladesh are not happy and satisfied with their firm’s services. The companies are
treating them as machines and forcing them to work more. Child labour is also involved in these
firms and they are forced do work without suitable wages. Children are motivated to do work for
the garment companies instead of doing studies and playing (Briganti, 2016). Further,
stakeholder perspective on different approaches to sustainability has been examined. Integrative
worldwide framework has been included and it is related with the framework to the workers
People of Bangladesh have different perspective and they have given various views on
their working conditions. The workers have argued that sustainable development is very
important in protecting the environment which will help in maintaining the health-related issues
of the people. Workers have said that Bangladesh garment industries are not paying much
concentration on sustainability which is posing risk of losing global market (Brindopke and
et.al., 2017). On the other hand, social sustainability enhancements have helped suppliers of the
garment company to strengthen their relationships with companies and contributes more to the
economic growth.
The workers have examined situation of Bangladesh and said that companies are
overexploiting the resources in manufacturing the garments (Safi, 2016). They are using various
techniques and methods to increase their sale Further , fashionable products are depleting
valuable resources and affecting the environment very badly. Further, consumers increasing
passion towards branded and costly products have forced garment industry to adopt new
techniques which reduces their efforts and make their products successful (Camuffo, De Stefano
and Paolino, 2017). Their overall demand and zeal has encouraged the industry to manufacture
effective products without concerning about environment and sustainable development.
Readymade garment companies in Bangladesh are contributing at a large scale in
economic growth of the country but they are lacking sustainability in operating their business
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activities. This has affected their selling as many of the foreign customers have refused to
purchase products due to lack of safety and proper environment measures. The garment industry
has to focus more on eco-friendly products so that they can be liked and purchased more by
customers. This will also help in protecting the earth and environment (Cheyns and et.al., 2017).
The organisations have to make sure that packaging material is also eco-friendly and there is less
use of plastic and non-degradable materials. This will help the employees as well as public of
the country.
Employees of Bangladesh garment industry have focused on the economic and social
perspective of sustainability. The companies has understood the importance of green
environment and thus have make efforts in making products eco-friendlier. The garment
industries have taken concern of various important issues which ultimately destroys
environment. They have looked over farming and agricultural activities to reduce the use of
pesticides and insecticides (Clark and et.al., 2016). They encouraged farmers to use those
medicines and protective elements which are eco-friendly and do not affect the nature.
Sustainability issues are arising regarding garment manufacturing industries. Fire and
security risks are major issues in which Bangladesh garment industries are facing. This has
snatched the life of various people. These accidents are occurring due to poor infrastructure and
security measures. Another major issue is trade union which focuses only on political party
issues rather than solving problems garment workers (Clark and et.al., 2016). Less contribution
of trade union creates negligence in workers’ rights and provide poor results harassment, wages,
violence issues in the company.
Another major threat is from building collapse which has snatched 1129 life in
Bangladesh. This is due to over exploitation of land and misuse of resources. . This will badly
affect the families of people whose lives are snatched in these accidents. Such mishapes take
place due to greed of the organisations authorities which do not concern for the safety for their
employees (Deville, Wearing and McDonald, 2016). They mainly look for their interest, profits
and benefits and involve more in exploring their business.
Another issue in garment industries of Bangladesh is related to poor wages. They are
getting low wages for their efforts which is adversely affecting their life. This has adversely
affected the economy of the country. Therefore, wages of workers are increased by 50 Euros per
month after lot of struggle in 2010 (Dhiman and et.al., 2017). Overtime working is also one of
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the important issue which has created tension and stress among the people. People are forced to
do work more after their working hours . The garment industries compel them to put more efforts
for their company. They providing extra wages to them for extra work.Workers are also ready to
do it in order to meet their basic requirements and afford better life.
Garment industries have provided employment to women on a larger rate. There are 1.5
million women which are working in these industries. Around 80% employees in these sectors
are women. They are forced to work because they have not acquired higher education and less
awareness of government opportunities. These women are attracted to do this work because they
are unemployed or widows which have no source of income. Therefore, they are ready to work
in this sector at lower wages (Garrido‐Miralles and et.al., 2016).
Dyeing effluents affect environment as the chemicals used in dye are very poisonous and
dangerous for health and environment. In Bangladesh, dyeing industries are rapidly increasing
due to which consumption of toxic chemicals are increased. This has directly affected the lives
of the people. Further, dyeing method depends on the type of the fabric, yarn, and quality of
clothes used. These organisations contribute in the growth of economy of the country. The main
disadvantage of these industries is that they are highly pollution creators and affects environment
(Guillen-Royo, Guardiola and Garcia-Quero, 2017). Further, dyeing water is colourful and waste
which cannot be recycled to use in any activity. It is proved to be harmful for the health of
human and animals. The acids used in dyes like sulphuric and nitric acid are very hazardous and
its excess use and contact may burn the hands and arms of employees which put colour and dyes
on the clothes.
Workers have also evaluated that companies are giving more attention to eco-friendly
textile fibres to reduce water and land pollution. In addition to this, cotton production requires
huge amount of water and pesticides. Therefore, the garment manufacturing companies have
given more focus on increasing the production of organic cotton which is produced without help
of any fertilizers, pesticides and synthetic chemicals which are dangerous for land. However,
organic cotton products are more expensive but they are environment friendly and reduces the
risk of land and water pollution (Hák, Janoušková and Moldan, 2016). This has helped the
companies to increase their reputation in global market as their products are more durable and
environment friendly.
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Furthermore, companies have makes use of renewable and degradable materials for
manufacturing their products so that they can be recycled or dumped into soil after use. This will
increase the productivity of the organisation and help in conserving nature. The garment
organisation has also labelled various information related to their brands so that their custermers
can understand the ingredients used in that product. . This will help them to provide complete
details and provide best services to the people (Holden, E., Linnerud and Banister, 2017). The
workers of garment companies have also analysed that companies are also using best practises to
increase the customer base by providing them benefits and discounts on their products. Further, it
is also giving them information of how much they are concern for the environment and making
use of organic and eco-friendly textile fibre in their products.
This has helped them to increase their productivity and profits and leading international
market in garment sector. Further, the workers have also commented that companies of
Bangladesh are focusing more on increasing sustainability by concerning various issues. They
have faced many problems while developing eco-friendly products (Howard-Grenville and et.al.,
2017).
Sustainable development is long-term process of transforming behind desired vision of
industrialised economy. This economy mainly contributes in social development, environment
sustainability and wealth creation. There are mainly three spheres in which sustainability can be
measures that is social, environmental and economic which are lacked by Bangladesh garment
industries (Kolk, 2016). These companies have good achievement in context of economic
conditions as compared to social and environmental conditions. The workers have said that the
profits are directly going in the pockets of owners and workers are not getting any benefit from
it. They are forced to do overtime and work at low wages though this sector is leading in the
world.
The garment sector has contributed very big part in the growth of country's economy and
GDP as 80% of Bangladesh export is based on garment products. The environment factors are
not given importance as the industries are discharging their waste in water and rivers directly.
This is proving harmful for the health of people as well as to the environment. Further, chemical
production and harmful use of fertilizers and pesticides are increasing which is contaminating
land and water increasing pollution and diseases (Longoni and Cagliano, R., 2016). Further, it
has also affected the life of animals as they are disappearing. Furthermore, the organisation have
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also made use of organic cotton and other recyclable techniques which helps in preserving the
nature.
Social condition of Bangladesh workers is very poor. The employees are not getting
proper wages and they are forced to do overtime. Further, child labour is encouraged though it
has been reduced dramatically after 1992 but it was in practise till today in Bangladesh. Job
policies, gender equality and position are not well maintained. Further, the garment industries
have forced children specially 12-15 years old girls which comes mostly from villages (Melissen,
and et.al., 2016). The workers are forced to live in slum areas as they did not get enough wages
to afford necessities of the life.
Environmental economic conditions are also not well developed in Bangladesh as there is
no record of energy consumption. Electricity is not supplied properly in these companies and due
to this lack of electricity they use fuel based generators which creates noise as well as air
pollution. These things have directly impacted lives of the people. Bangladesh workers lose their
vision and life at early age (Nilsson, Griggs and Visbeck, 2016). This country is trying to gain
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Illustration 1: Three spheres of sustainability
(Source: Ayatullah Hosne Asif, 2017)

sustainability and has taken initiatives to overcome these issues but the progress is very slow. It
is very necessary to reform entire garment industry as it is concerned with the life of three
million people and economy of the country.
The perspective of different stakeholder’s changes as they move towards the
sustainability aspect in Bangladesh. Some people contradict the fact that social and
environmental conditions of the country are improved but some have favoured the motion.
Workers have said that due to change in government policies, different change in garment
organisation have been seen and they have focused more on sustainability (Oelze and et.al.,
2016). They have also looked after minimum wage issues and child labour concerns. This has
helped the country to make positive impact on foreign markets and international trade.
Workers have also said that though companies have adopted eco-friendly methods but
they are not providing proper wages and safety to their employees. The garment companies are
still not following the rules and regulations of government properly and doing illegal activities to
expand their business (Türkay, Saraçoğlu and Arslan, 2016). They are responsible for all the
natural calamities because their waste products and toxic gases are adversely affecting the
environment. Further, unemployment rate in Bangladesh is also very which force people to work
in garment companies at lower wages. This factor also helps the companies to hire people and
specially ladies and children at small payments.
The education and training are also not provided to the children and ladies which
decreases the position and reputation of garment industries in other countries. Additionally, trade
union is also not supportive and do not show any interest in preserving the rights of workers in
the company. Trade unions are engaged in resolving the matters related to politics. This has
increased the cases like harassment, violence and conflicts among people. There are no safety
policies set up for the employees. They are affected by fire accidents, building collapse etc.
which severely injures them or snatches their life. This damages their life and family status
(Yang and et.al., 2017).
Government is another stakeholder which plays an important role in making the country
pollution free by developing various policies related to sustainable development. Further, it can
make laws in which companies are not allowed to make floors on the buildings which are older
than 20 years.. Further, it can make policies in which they have to provide basic wages to the
employees so that they can increase their living standard (Cheyns and et.al., 2017). Another
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important thing is that strict actions must be taken by government in which every garment
company have to take preventive and eco-friendly steps to manufacture their products.
Integrative Worldview Framework has helped the stakeholders to see the world from
different perspective. It has also helped in changing the mentality of government and authority of
people which has helped them to create bias, at times through well-intended practices such as
balance
. It also helps by affecting attitudes and actions, e.g. charitable giving. Media can be partner and
assist in managing effective issues (Briganti, 2016). On the other hand, it also lacks monitoring
specially in case of government activities.
Furthermore, modern media in Integrative world-view framework has helped in sharing
their views and opinions to the people so that they can discuss their problems regarding their
company’s policies with the people and raise voice against them. Further new media allows
everyone to be the part of the press and enable employees to link with other communities so that
they can fight against harassment, torture or any kind of problems from their workplace.
Further, modern people have new mentality and focuses more sustainable development. They
also give more priority to the products which are eco-friendly and produce less carbon emission
(Yang and et.al., 2017). The workers are more concentrated towards their health and safety
issues so that they can maintain their health-related issues.
From the context of Integrative world-view framework, it has helped the authorities of
garment company to know more about the mentality of their employees as well as their
customers. This has helped them lot in making new plans according to their perspectives and
views. Further, modern media has played an important role in involving more employees and
customers to share their views and reduce bad consequences of the environment (Oelze and
et.al., 2016). This has helped the companies as well government to increase their efficiency and
productivity and make initiatives related to sustainable development.
Sustainable environment can be used to preserve nature and health conditions of people.
This can be done by producing and using organic cotton and fabric which requires less
pesticides. Further, the raw material for manufacturing the products must be taken which
requires less water and natural pesticides so that contamination of land can be prevented. Toxic
products, synthetic chemicals of dyes must not be used (Longoni and Cagliano, 2016). Further,
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garment companies can reuse the waste materials before discharging it from their industries so
that they will help in reducing the pollution.
The workers of these companies are traditional as they are not providing effective tools
and techniques to their employees. Further, organisation managers are modern because they are
using digital mediums like tablets, laptops and other equipment to handle their subordinates and
customers. They have used these tools to enhance their relationships with foreign traders and
shareholders to increase their sale (Nilsson, Griggs and Visbeck, 2016). These techniques have
helped the companies to become advance and know new trends and traditions of market. Further,
it has also assisted them to expand their export business operations to lead in the world.
However, the companies have provided new equipment to the employees which have to look
after advance and difficult tasks like research and development department, human resource
management etc.
The employees of garment companies have to take precautions while performing dying
activities and they have to take regular check-ups from their doctors so that they can minimize
harmful effects of the toxic acids. Additionally, the organisation has to provide trainings to their
employees regarding fire measures and electrical equipment so that they can save themselves in
case of any hazards.
The garment company have to make concrete garment policies for sustainability and
make strong infrastructure by consulting with architectures and engineers to prevent from
building collapse like accidents. Further, government have to regularly send their team to inspect
these factories so that they can analyse the situation and instruct them according to their policies.
They have to make sure that their factory is not established in public areas (Türkay, Saraçoğlu,
and Arslan, 2016). Further, trade union and labour community has to give more attention to
workers health, safety matters in-spite of engaging themselves in political parties.
Sustainability is not only involved with the sustainable development of products but it
has also involved with preserving nature by adopting environment conservation policies.
Garment industry is one of the important element in economic growth of Bangladesh. Rights of
workers and wages related issues must be given proper attention (Melissen and et.al., 2016). The
government and authority of organisation has to look after employees’ benefits, development,
health and safety policies so that they can be motivated to increase their productivity.
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