JBS Vol 17. Num 2. 2015 - Examining the progress towards sustainability in the Bangladesh RMG sector in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza tragedy

The devastating collapse of Rana Plaza in 2013, which cost 1,136 lives, brought Bangladesh in sudden unwanted limelight and posed an ominous question about the sustainability of its Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector. However, as part of the rapid response in the tragic aftermath, 3,632 RMG factories have been inspected as of 2015. Among these, 1,549 factories have been inspected by the National Tripartite Plan of Action (NTPA) undertaken by the Government of Bangladesh with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The remaining 2,083 factories have been inspected by the two initiatives representing international brands and retailers viz. the landmark Bangladesh Accord and the Alliance for Bangladesh. This study explores the process and the number of Corrective Action Plans (CAP) and Detailed Engineering Assessments (DEA) conducted by the two international initiatives and the challenges of the remediation. It also takes a look into the Better Work Bangladesh program designed to improve working conditions and promote competitiveness in the global RMG sector.