Bangladesh Garment Industry Rethink

May 12, 2025 /Mpelembe Media/ — A new report from the Center for Media and Peace Initiatives (CMPI) highlighting the significant transformation of Bangladesh’s garment industry since the Rana Plaza tragedy. The report argues that outdated perceptions need to be challenged, as Bangladesh has become a leader in ethical and sustainable manufacturing, boasting numerous green factories and increased worker empowerment. The authors advocate for a global shift in engagement, urging stakeholders to adopt strategic sourcing, implement policy reforms, and ensure accurate media reporting that reflects the industry’s progress in areas like safety, environmental responsibility, and economic resilience. The report ultimately calls for the world to recognise the Bangladesh of today, not the one remembered from a decade ago.

The Bangladesh garment industry has undergone a profound transformation since the Rana Plaza tragedy in 2012. A new report, “Beyond the Stereotype: Rethinking Bangladesh’s Textile Industry,” highlights these significant changes.

Key aspects of this transformation include:

Safety Overhaul: Twelve years after Rana Plaza, safety has been significantly improved. The Accord on Fire and Building Safety, signed by over 200 brands, has resulted in more than 56,000 inspections and 140,000 safety upgrades, safeguarding over 2 million workers.

Green Leadership: Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader in sustainable apparel production. It now has 240 LEED-certified garment factories, more than any other country, including 98 with Platinum certification.

Empowered Workforce: There has been a significant shift towards worker empowerment. Registered garment-sector unions have increased from fewer than 300 in 2012 to over 1,300 in 2025. Gender Equality Initiatives have also trained thousands of women for higher-paid roles, promoting inclusivity and economic advancement.

Improved Quality and Innovation: The report corrects the outdated narrative of Bangladesh being a low-compliance, low-quality producer. Sweeping reforms have transformed the industry into a leader in scalable industrial innovation.

Economic Resilience: The industry has shown economic resilience, with apparel exports reaching $38.4 billion in 2024. Amidst global trade realignments, Bangladesh has become a preferred sourcing destination.

The sources indicate that despite these advancements, outdated perceptions about the industry persist, and the report calls on global stakeholders to recognise this progress and shift their engagement with Bangladesh. Bangladesh is presented not as a cautionary tale, but as a model for ethical, sustainable, and resilient manufacturing.

Based on the sources, the report “Beyond the Stereotype: Rethinking Bangladesh’s Textile Industry” was authored by three individuals:

Taiwo Meghoma. Meghoma has a distinguished record in international fashion diplomacy, including serving as Fashion Director for the Royal African Society’s 120th Anniversary Gala and consulting at New York and Portugal Fashion Weeks. He has collaborated with over 20 embassies to spotlight ethical fashion and is a recognized speaker on branding. Taiwo Meghoma was also a contributor to the report.

Dr. Uchenna Ekwo. Dr. Ekwo is the President of the Center for Media and Peace Initiatives (CMPI) and research faculty at CUNY’s Medgar Evers College. He is a journalist-turned-scholar specializing in global media systems and public policy, having worked to promote media reform, narrative justice, and ethical governance. Dr. Ekwo is also listed as a report author and is the contact for media inquiries.

Dr. Nathalie Beasnael. Dr. Beasnael is described as a global health leader and climate advocate. She is the founder of Health4Peace and serves as the Diplomatic Envoy of the Republic of Chad to the United States, representing her nation on global development platforms. She is also noted as an actress and activist.

The sources mention that full biographies are available upon request.

Based on the sources, the central argument of the report “Beyond the Stereotype: Rethinking Bangladesh’s Textile Industry” is that Bangladesh’s garment industry has undergone a profound and positive transformation since the Rana Plaza tragedy. The report contends that the industry should no longer be viewed through outdated, negative narratives but instead recognized as a model for ethical, sustainable, and resilient manufacturing.

Key aspects supporting this central argument include:

The industry has implemented sweeping reforms that have transformed it into a leader in labor rights, environmental responsibility, and scalable industrial innovation.

Significant improvements in safety have been achieved through initiatives like the Accord on Fire and Building Safety.

Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader in sustainable apparel production, boasting a large number of LEED-certified green factories.

There has been a substantial shift towards worker empowerment, evidenced by a significant increase in registered garment-sector unions and initiatives promoting gender equality.

The industry has demonstrated economic resilience and is now seen as a preferred sourcing destination.

Ultimately, the report argues that despite this significant progress, outdated perceptions persist, and calls upon global brands, policymakers, and media to reassess how they engage with Bangladesh, ensuring policies, sourcing strategies, and media coverage reflect the reality of the transformed industry.

Based on the sources, the report “Beyond the Stereotype: Rethinking Bangladesh’s Textile Industry” was published by the Center for Media and Peace Initiatives (CMPI).

The sources describe CMPI as a New York-based think tank with Special Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). CMPI engages a readership in Washington, New York, and key U.S. academic and diplomatic circles, while also reaching policy influencers in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East through its publications, conferences, and outreach.