Sample Term Paper Report

BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (BIM)
(Ministry of Industries)
4, Sobhanbag, Mirpur Road, Dhaka
www.bim.gov.bd
Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management

(PGDHRM)
(Academic Year-201_)
Term Paper Report

on
“Labor law implementation in RMG sector of
Bangladesh: A case study in Dhaka Division”.
SUPERVISED BY PREPARED BY
<Name of the Supervisor> <Name of the Participants>
<Designation of the Supervisor>
Roll: XXXXXXX
Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM)
Batch-………….
December 201_
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Letter of Transmittal
20th December, 201_
<Name of the Supervisor>

<Designation of Supervisor>
4 Sobhanbag, Mirpur Road,
Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
Subject: Request to accept the Report
Dear Sir,
You have assigned me to prepare the report on “Labor Law implementation in RMG sector of Bangladesh: A case
study in Dhaka Division”. I have prepared my report in mentioned timeframe. The report also consists of the
overview of few garments sector in Bangladesh. I tried to gather accurate information to make it specific and
coherent. Through the process of preparing the term paper, I have managed to get some practical experiences.
To serve your purpose, I have tried my best to find out proper implementation of labor law practice in RMG sector
in Bangladesh.
I truly hope and believe, this report will fulfill the requirements suggested by you.
Sincerely yours,
<Name of the Participant>

Roll: XXXXXXX
Batch ______
Session: 201_
PGHRM, BIM
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DECLARATION
I do solemnly declare that this term paper submitted; in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Post
Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (PGDHRM) of the session 201_ of the Bangladesh
Institute of Management (BIM), Dhaka in the result of my own research work and written in my own language.
That no part of this term paper consists of materials copied or plagiarized from published or unpublished work
of other writers and that all materials borrowed or reproduced from other published or unpublished source
have either been out under quotation or duly acknowledge with full reference in appropriate place(s). I
understand that the diploma, conferred on me, may be cancelled/withdrawn if subsequently it is discovered
that this term paper is not my original work, it consists of materials copied/plagiarized or borrowed with
proper acknowledge.

Roll: XXXXXXX
Batch ______
Session: 201_
PGHRM, BIM
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Acknowledgement
I express my deep sense of gratitude and sincere appreciation to my supervisor <Name of the
Supervisor>, <Designation of the Supervisor> of Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM) for his
valuable suggestion, guidelines and co-operation. Without his help and guidance it was quit impossible to
come up with this study.
All of my thanks go to the garments workers, who have gave me their valuable time to explore their
world. For this I thank my Institution for giving me this nice opportunity to see their life world. I am also
grateful to the garments management who extended their co-operation for collection data and
information associate with the study.
In writing this term paper, I have drawn as many books which mentioned in the bibliography, I
acknowledge my indebtedness to all those authors for their works which has been great use for me.
I would like to thank all of the counselors of Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM) who had been
very co-operative and support me to do this term paper.
I am also grateful to my parents for their handy support and off course to all of my friends and colleagues.

Roll: XXXXXXX
Batch ______
Session: 201_
PGHRM, BIM
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Table of Contents
Sl. No. Contents Pages
01 Chapter 01: Introduction 01-08

1.1 Background of the project 01
1.2 Importance of the study 03

1.3 Objectives of the study (Major and Specific Objectives) 04
1.3.1 Major Objective 04

1.3.2 Specific Objectives 05
1.4 Key Variables 05

1.5 Scope of the study 05
1.6 Limitations of the study 06

1.7 Methodology of the study 06
1.7.1 Sampling 07
1.7.2 Source of data 07
1.7.3 Data collection tools and Techniques 07

1.7.4 Study Area 08
02 Chapter 02: Literature Review and Theoretical Orientation 09-21

2.1 Literature Review 09
2.2 Theoretical Framework 16
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03 Chapter 03: About the Company 22-29
3.1 Company Profile of Asrotex group 22
3.2 Company Profile of Starlet Apparles Ltd. 26

04 Chapter 04: Findings from the study 30-49
4.1 Service Rule and Service Policy provisions 30

4.2 Maternity Benefits Provisions 32
4.3 Wage Provisions 34

4.4 Compensation for Injury by Accident Provisions 35
4.5 Provident Fund Provisions 36
4.6 Health and Hygiene Provision 38
4.7 Safety and Security Provision 42

4.8 Welfare Provisions 44
4.9 Working Hours, Leaves and Holidays Provisions 46

4.10 Testing of Hypotheses 48
05 Chapter 05: Summary of the Findings 50-52

5.1 Summary 50
06 Chapter 06: Conclusion 53-54

07 Chapter 07: Recommendation 55-56
7.1 Some policy Recommendations 55
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List of Table
Sl. No. Table Pages

01 Table-1 Response Regarding Service Rules and Service Policy 31
02 Table-2 Response Regarding Maternity Benefit Policy 33
03 Table-3 Response Regarding Wage Policy 34
04 Table-4 Response Regarding Compensation for Injury by Accident 36
Policy
05 Table-5 Response Regarding Provident Fund Policy 37
06 Table-6 Response Regarding Health and Hygiene Provisions 40
07 Table-7 Response Regarding Safety and Security 42
08 Table-8 Response Regarding Welfare Policy 44
09 Table-9 Response Regarding Working Hours, Leaves and Holidays 47
Provisions
List of Graphs
Sl. No. Graphs Pages

01 Graph-1 Labor Law Application Regarding Service 32
Rules and Policy
02 Graph-2 Received Maternity Benefit 33
03 Graph-3 Satisfaction level of Wage and Overtime 35
04 Graph-4 Available Compensation for Injury by Accident 36
05 Graph-5 Provident facilities in RMG sector 38
06 Graph-6 Labor Law Application Regarding Health and 41
Hygiene Provisions
07 Graph-7 Labor Law Application Regarding Safety and 43
Security
08 Graph-8 Labor Law Application Regarding Welfare 46
Policy
09 Graph-9 Labor Law Application Regarding Working 48
Hours, Leaves and
Holidays Provisions
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CHAPTER: 1
Introduction
1.1 Background
The Readymade Garments (RMG) industry of Bangladesh has emerged as a competent garments
producer in global garments business in recent times. This industry has successfully transformed
Bangladesh into an export-oriented economy. Garments exports from Bangladesh began in the late
1970s. As a result of the Multi Fiber Agreement (MFA) and the huge quota allocated to Bangladesh
in Dhaka in the 1980s, a completely new industry developed. The textile and apparel sector relies
heavily on imports for its production inputs. I have completed a survey on the labors of the
mentioned 02 Garments of Bangladesh (a brief summary of the selected garments are given in
chapter: 3).The main purpose of the survey was to investigate about the impact of labor law practices
in Readymade Garments (RMG) sector in Bangladesh This study show the basic practices and
conditions of employment, the working hour, overtime and leave of worker, working environment,
profit participation fund, welfare of the workers, compensation for injury by accident, maternity
benefit and leave, provident fund and gratuity and security systems of these two (02) garments. Poor
relationship between workers and supervisors is the main source of conflict. This study also finds that
there is growing demand for work life balance among the workers of RMG sector.
In British –India industrialization paved its way during last part of eighteenth century. Workers
condition of work environment was worst. That time the few labor laws existed in the sub – continent
was not enough to protect the rights of the working people. Most of the labor laws we inherited form
British-India and Pakistani period. First labor law came in the subcontinent was Worker’s
Compensation Act 1923. Worker’s got their trade union rights after long struggle under the trade union
Act 1926. At the time of Pakistan period two separate laws was there. Trade Union Act and Industrial
Dispute Settlement Act, these two laws merge into Industrial Relation Ordinance, 1969; Major Labor
Laws enacted in the year 1965, such as a Factories Act, Shops and Establishment Act, Employment of
Labor (SO) Act. Later on, so many amendments made on labor laws. Moreover separate rules were
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enacted for better implementation on labor laws. Bangladesh government set up a separate Inspection
Authority to supervise and monitor the implementation of labor laws.
Labor relation is the field that emphasizes skill managers and union leaders can use to minimize costly
forms of conflict and seek win-win solutions with labor force. The decision for management involves
whether the organization will work with unions or develop non-union operations. The decision is
influenced by outside forces such as competition, public opinions etc. while there are several
advantages of unionism to both the members and the employers, negative consequences on
profitability and productivity have also been found by researcher. The best labor relation strategy is
dependent on the tradeoffs between the positive and negative consequences and external legal
environment. The readymade garments (RMG) industry of Bangladesh has contributed extensively to
the export oriented growth of the country. With the two million workforces it employs directly and
another one million in linkage industries, it supports the livelihood of some 10 million Bangladeshis;
law regarding labor is not implemented properly.
The trade union movement is relatively weak in RMG industry of Bangladesh. This is partly owing to
the multiplicity of trade unions and partly owing to the considerable intimidation imposed in practice,
especially workers’ fear of losing their jobs should they show any sign of union activity. The right of
freedom of association and to collective bargaining at the workplace is not respected in the garments
sector. While trade unions exist, they are ineffective in the application of their objectives. The leaders
of the trade unions are corrupted, making it is impossible for the trade union leaders to do some
welfare for the general labor. This is due to the fact that almost all the CBA leaders have an open
secret understanding with the owners of the establishments, which lead them to the uninterrupted
corruption and irregularity. The CBA leaders seldom see the interests of the labor. The monthly
subscriptions given by the labor are not used for their welfare. It is just used for the personal purpose
of the leaders of trade unions.
The restricted laws regarding union association right of workers, lack of proper grievance procedure
and communication mechanism in the factories, increasing prices of essential goods, salaries well
below than living wage levels and limited trade union action are some of the main reasons behind the
growing worker unrest which threatens the industry. Violent uprisings have been a common sight over
the last few years and they have seemed to become a part of the industry. The RMG sector in
Bangladesh has been facing intermittent serious violence recently. It is belief of many that who are at
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the heart of the boom of the RMG sector that they have not been touched by the benefits of this
growth. So they turn to violence, which is just a mere means to vent frustration.
Labor laws were born to create equal opportunities for all workers and employers to secure decent
safety and security and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity.
In theory, the labor laws envisage a set of rights but in practice they work as shield for workers. These
laws are the reflections of fair sharing of rights, duties and obligations between employers and
workers. These laws also focus on international labor standards ensuring decent work for all. The
Bangladesh Labor Act (BLA), 2006 in the country seeks, inter alia, to protect and promote rights of
the workers. Although legal provisions exist to uphold the fundamental principles and to protect rights
at work, their implementation and enforcement remain a daunting challenge. This study explores
whether and to what extent the security and safety net of workers are covered under the legal
framework in Bangladesh specifically in the Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006 in conformity with
international standard.1 It will also drill out the discrepancies and pitfalls of the law reflecting the
availability of acceptable standards including security and safety net, rather than engaging to find out
the outcome of how the trade-off between the conflicting interests of workers and employers. This
sector has a greater potential than that of any other sector in terms of employment and foreign
exchange earnings to reduce poverty and make a contribution to the national economy. Even though,
security and safety standards of workers in this sector are not up to the mark.
1.2 Importance of the study

Our labor laws are presently scattered in different statutes. In other words, labor laws are yet to be
codified. The necessity of such codifications had been by many since long. Besides the existing labor
laws suffer from some inherent flaws and require to meet the present demand of proper dispensation
of justice. Actually we inherited the laws and the legal system of our country from British –India. The
British enacted laws to primarily suit their colonial purpose. Now ours is liberated country and its
outlook and demand have changed drastically. Therefore either the existing laws should be adequately
amended or new laws be enacted, suiting the present demand of the society. However, after the
emergence of the new state of Bangladesh, no initiatives have ever been taken by any of the
successive governments and the issue has always been given back seat by them. Without a complete
Labor code and its practice to end the violation of workers’ rights will remain a far cry.
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There is a rapid growth of industrialization in Bangladesh. Most of the manufacturing companies in
Bangladesh are labor-intensive, particularly the ready-made garments (RMG) industry. Therefore, the
practice of HRM is mostly required in labor intensive industry like RMG. Moreover, there is a
growing concern of labor rights among the garments workers of Bangladesh .In the textile and apparel
sector in Bangladesh, there are approximately two million workers, 90% of whom are women,
working for around 4,500 corporations with one or more factories. Factory sizes vary between around
200 and 1,200 workers, with an average of about 550-600 workers Other important areas for
improvement of labor standards are issuing identity cards, providing job contracts to all workers,
weekly holidays, regular payment of wages, limitation of night work by female workers and maternity
leave, proper working environment and so on. This study will help to know the present aspects of
labor law practices in Bangladesh.
From a narrower viewpoint, this study will contribute to ensure some instant benefit of the garments
workers, for example their job security, social security, living standard, and service benefits along with
working safety will be augmented. Motivation of the workers will lead to better productivity of the
industry expediting further change for the country to expand its position and global market with
recognition and clean image. From a broader perspective, this study will contribute to the socio-
economic development of the country. The demonstrations and movements of the garments workers to
ensure their rights every now and then create a serious social and political instability. Hence, if the
garments workers are guaranteed maximum security and safety in their workplace, there will be a
social stability, harmony and tranquility in lieu of the unwanted movements and demonstrations.
1.3 Objectives of the study

1.3.1 Major objective:
 The aim of the study is to explore the Implementation of Labor Law in RMG sector of
Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka division.
1.3.2 Specific objectives:

 To study the basic practices and conditions of employment.
 To understand the working hour, overtime and leave of worker as per labor law 2006.
 To understand the organizations wage practices.
 To identify the health and hygiene measures taken by organizations.
 To understand the current practice of the safety and security of the respective organizations.
 To understand the steps taken by the organization for the welfare of the workers.
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 To know if there any provision about the compensation for injury by accident.
 To understand the provisions taken by the management for maternity benefit and leave as per
labor law 2006.
 To understand the situation of the introduction of provident fund in the organizations.
 To provide suggestions about labor laws practices in the organizations.
1.4 Key Variables

Discussion with 40 workers to know and analyze the attitude and beliefs of workers towards labor
management relations and labor rights. Our research theme is Labor Law Implementation in RMG
Sector of Bangladesh and our key variables are practices of service rule and policy, maternity benefits,
wage and overtime, compensation for injury by accident, provident fund, health and hygiene, safety
and security, welfare and working hours, leaves and holiday provision.
1.5 Scope of the Study

The scope of the study covers the application of The Labor Law Act 2006 and the subsequent Rule
concerning provisions of work facilities and work environment, safety and security, health and
hygiene, welfare, working hours, leaves, wages, maternity benefits, provident fund at the work place
in RMG sectors of Bangladesh.
Doing this research report on a well-known company like the mentioned Garments (Table: Brief
summary of the selected garments) of Bangladesh will be a privilege for me. This may give me the
scope to match my theoretical knowledge with the practical one.
1.6 Limitations of the Study

(1) In the study area there are so many garments but my respondents were only from 02 garments.
As the working condition and economic benefit of workers varies a large degree from garments
to garments, most of the respondents became homogeneous in some extent. As a result the
research lost some of its representativeness. For example, a significance portion of the
respondents were from ‘Virtual Garments which is the biggest garments in Bangladesh and it
follows the labor laws and some labor beneficiary’s activities.
(2) Because of my inability, I could not become enough intimate with the workers to extract out the
actual answer. So the lack of validity is prevailed through this research. In spite of conducting
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pilot survey, there was some vagueness in my questionnaire that made some confusion while
collecting data.
(3) Garments workers and garments management or representatives are always busy with their own
tasks, so they had little opportunity for giving us such time in this regard.
(4) In some cases is seems to us that the female workers are not open mind to answer us about our
question. It may be they are fear of management or perhaps they could not identify our good
intention of the study.
(5) In some cases management did not co-operate us to get direct interview of the workers.
1.7 Methodology of the Study

This section presents an overview of the methods to be used in the study. Areas covered include the
research design, population, sample and sampling techniques, data collection and analysis.
The study is involved in evaluating the Implementation of labor law practice of some selected
garments in Dhaka division. Consequently, the research was designed to achieve the objectives set out
by the researcher.
This study has employed both qualitative and empirical approach because of mixed nature of the
problem with a view to achieving the best outcome of the research. The qualitative methodology of
research has been applied for subjective assessment based on secondary sources to investigate the
loopholes in the current legal framework on the safety and security net of the garments workers in
Bangladesh. While doing this part of the research, the existing literature on the labor laws have been
explored and examined thoroughly. Through application of this approach, findings have been
reinvigorated and compiled suggesting better security and safety net along with propositions for
necessary amendments of the current labor law.
These questionnaires are designed in such manner so that the garments workers can express their
opinions without any prejudice and bias finding the obstacles as to safety net in consonance with ILO
Conventions and standards. The findings of the mixed approach will be categorized systematically and
the common findings will be offered as recommendation to amend the current labor law in the country.
1.7.1 Sampling:
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The researcher has adopted the survey type of research in which a sample from the target population
will be used for the study. In total, a sample of 55 elements has to be selected from a targeted
population. Details of the sample are as follows:
The sample is 40 workers (20 from each garments factory).
The study has adopted a multistage stratified sampling method to select elements.
1.7.2 Source of Data:

Source of data is mainly face to face interview of the garments worker and various journals and
BGMEA website. A secondary research also conducted in the study. Sources in secondary research
include previous research reports, newspapers etc.
1.7.3 Data Collection Tools and Techniques:

Primary and secondary research has to be conducted in the study. Before the actual data collection I
have collected introductory letter from the Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM) to the sampled
institutions. The initial visit to the selected institutions are therefore be to introduce himself,
familiarize himself with those institutions as well as seek their consent for the study. Thisstudy has
used both primary and secondary data collection techniques. The major research techniques employed
are as follows:
 Conducting interviews direct and over phone with relevant owners, management and personnel of
RMG industries.
 Discussion with 40 workers to know and analyze the attitude and beliefs of workers towards labor
management relations and labor rights.
A structured questionnaire has to be developed and is used as the survey tool for the study. Most of the
questionnaire was the closed-ended type.
1.7.4 Study Area:
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My study area is mainly Dhaka division. Most of the garments are in Dhaka divisionespecially in
Narayangonj.
CHAPTER 2
Literature Review and Theoretical
Orientation
2.1 Literature Review

The RMG industry is a low-technology and labor-intensive industry. Being labor-surplus economy
Bangladesh always enjoy low wages. With regard to precise, Bangladesh can beat most of its
competitors. Prices are related to the cost of production which in case of apparel marketing is greatly
determined by the labor costs. The pressure of the unemployed labor force and the very low standard
of living allow the garments wages in Bangladesh to be kept at a level that is one of the lowest among
competing countries.
That Bangladesh has a tremendous labor advantage can be seen by looking at the comparative hourly
wages. Three factors have been primarily responsible for the lower labor cost in the garment industry
compared to most other industries in Bangladesh (Mondal 2003). First, the garment industry is
characterized by a predominance of female workers who are prepared to accept lower wages than their
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male counterparts due to their opportunity cost of time. Second, the minimum wage fixed by the
government has been lower for the garment industry compared to other industries. Third, garment
entrepreneurs have succeeded in reducing labor costs by generally depriving workers of “decent”
working conditions.
In July 2001, the government declared a minimum wage structure for the private sector workers fixing
1350 taka as the minimum monthly salary, but the employers rejected the proposal of the Government.
A member of the federation moved to the High Court and the High Court declared the government
order illegal on technical grounds. (Elyus Rahman, 2006)
Now the garment factory workers have been getting a paltry sixty US cents per day, whereas the
factory owners are getting richer day by day. They are building ultra-modern houses in the smarter
areas of the city and their children go to Europe and America for higher education. The garment
workers have to work 10 to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, but are paid no overtime (Elyus
Rahman, 2006). The garment workers demonstrated for an adjustment to the minimum wage, safe
working condition, weekly holiday and an end to harassment. Very often, the workers were sacked
without reasonable ground and notice or compensation as per the provisions of labor law. For this very
reason the spontaneous, unprecedented protest was observed.
Formulated its own code of conduct for the industry, in collaboration with the major trade unions, and
has set up a compliance unit that monitors labor conditions in its members' factories (UNIFEM 2008).
In 2006, the Government passed a new labor code, after 12 years of deliberation and activism. It
applies to all workers, and the new sections relevant to the garment industry include written contracts
and identity cards, timely payment of wages, revised minimum wage, paid maternity.
According to Amin (2009), Coordinator of the Bangladesh Garment Workers Unity Council
(BGWUC), “The garment workers of Bangladesh may be the most deprived labor force in the world.
Most are paid between US$14 and US$16 per month, the lowest salary in the world.” He also added
“Only a few factories here maintain international standards, and many of them do not implement any
worker health and safety measures.”
The Financial Express (2008), a daily English newspaper of Bangladesh, referred to a recent study
conducted by a local think tank that has revealed that investors in the RMG sector have more than
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doubled their earnings in the past seven years. Despite this increase, however, it is a remorse that
many owners are not paying their laborers regularly and all sorts of extraneous arguments are put
forward for non-payment of their salaries.
New Age (2009), another prominent daily English newspaper, reported that the majority of garment
factories do not yet comply with many wage and workplace standards specified in the tripartite
agreement of 2006.
At the global level, campaigns have drawn attention to abuses of workers' rights in global supply
chains and put pressure on international corporations to take greater responsibility for employees
through corporate codes of conduct. Local employers in the Bangladesh garment industry must now
demonstrate compliance with these codes to win orders from international buyers (UNIFEM 2008).
According to International Labor Organization (2010), buyers make sourcing decisions based on four
factors: price, quality, how long it takes to get produce to the marketplace and social compliance,
including compliance with labor standards. In order to export readymade garments, it is not only the
quality parameters that are important towards acceptance of the product as per the intended end use,
but also the working environment, in which the garments are to be produced, is equally important so
that sweatshop concept is totally taken care of and the code of conduct must be stretched towards
achieving the objectives of social compliance issues (Das 2008).
Research showed that when companies that dealt with foreign buyers adhered to codes of conduct,
conditions improved for the workers in the factories stated by (Mahmud) in one of her articles. In
some large factories, health and safety standards improved and other benefits were introduced such as
timely payment of salaries, proper overtime rates and maternity leave.
Haider (2007) in his study stated that the social dimensions of the RMG industry are getting more
attention from consumers, social workers, welfare organizations and brand name international buyers.
International buyers are very particular about compliance with codes of conduct. Currently, many
international buyers demand compliance with their “code 74 Journal of Business and Technology
(Dhaka) of conduct” before placing any garment import order. The factory working environment is not
very satisfactory. So in order to sustain in the industry, Bangladesh needs to improve the factory
working environment and various social issues related to the RMG industry. Informal recruitment, low
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literacy level, wage discrimination, irregular payment and short contracts of service are very common
practices in the RMG factories in Bangladesh.
People’s Daily Online China (2008) reported that the Bangladeshi caretaker government is to take
stern action from August 1 against owners of garment factories who failed to implement compliance
issues like providing minimum wage to workers.
German Embassy (2010) stated that PROGRESS, a joint project of the Bangladesh Ministry of
Commerce and the German Federal Ministry, has consequently turned its full attention to the area of
social compliance and assisting the government in the following areas: implementation of the new
labor law, media campaigns, training and retraining measures for compliance inspectors, advisors, and
the introduction of a new monitoring and evaluation system.
It is also a fact that RMG producers from Bangladesh have been rather late in waking up to these
issues on which depend the sustainability of their export activities. But it is also not wholly true that
they are quite stranger to the issue of awareness and there are many RMG units which have taken
comprehensive measures recognizing that this is indispensable for the secured growth of their exports
(Marsha Dickson, 2006).
BGMEA/BKMEA has set up compliance monitoring cells to oversee maintenance of compliance

standard by the factories. However, this needed to be strengthened and made more effective. In order
to monitor and enforce compliance standard at factory level, an independent compliance monitoring
agency could be considered. This agency could be responsible to a joint committee of government and
BGMEA/BKMEA (Islam & Hossain, 2015).
Islam and Hossain (2015) also stated that besides, a common compliance standard need to be
established which would take care of domestic legislation as well as buyers' requirement (code of
conduct) which would be enforced through the monitoring agency. The government of Bangladesh
could set up ‘Compliance Up gradation Fund' in support of developing compliance standard where
buyers also could contribute.
Lorenz Simon Noe (2009); US-Bangladesh Trade Relation and the RMG Sector:
The summery of this article is the USA is the second most important export destination for clothing
made in Bangladesh. Despite its sustained growth, the RMG sector’s capacity to take a bigger share of
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the U.S market is hindered by the high tariff rate levied on Bangladeshi apparel. This situation is due
to a number of factors, which are reviewed in this paper.
As a committed developmental partner to Bangladesh, the USA has undertaken a number of legislative
and other initiatives aiming to lift trade barriers. They provide insights into what US policy makers
consider critical issues and this and this working paper offers an overview of current and past
initiatives.
This paper also suggests a number of areas to be considered by the Government and the RMG industry
of Bangladesh. These include lobbying, actively pursuing a US-Bangladesh bilateral agreement,
improving the RMG,s social compliance record and investing in backward linkages.
Ameena Chowdhury and Hanna Denecke(2007); aComparative Analysis betweenthe Bangladesh

Labor Law 2006 and 7 General Codes of Conduct:
This study is a comparative analysis of the Bangladesh Labor Law 2006 and seven internationally
recognized codes of conduct (SA8000, SAI, ETI, FLA, FWF, BSCI, WRAP and JO-IN). It reveals that
the Bangladesh Labor Law 2006 significantly covers the majority of the requirements of the seven a
solid platform for meeting internationally defined working codes of conduct. In addition, this paper
highlights the significance of the legislation as it establishes standards.
ProkaushaliSangsad Limited (2007); Identification of Eco-Efficiency Measures for the

Readymade Garment Factories in Bangladesh:
The main point of this, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of
compliance with environmental and social standards. Eco-efficiency is a strategy that ensures long-
term sustainability for businesses by reducing costs, meeting stakeholder pressures, protecting the
health and safety of employees and the environment. This study seeks to identify eco-efficiency
measures for RMG factories in Bangladesh. It shows practical ways of reducing waste, pollution,
energy and raw materials and helps the industry to decide which products and processes are most
suitable for their application in both economic and environmental teams.
Rumana Liza Anam (2008); Inadequacies and Variations of Maternity Leave Policies Throuhout
the World: Special Focus on Bangladesh:
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Author said that, there has been a dramatic increase in the representation of women in the workplace
in Bangladesh and throughout the world. However, women face major hurdles in most parts of the
world in there advancement in organization as maternity leave and other benefits such as on site
crèche or flextime are still not provided as per requirements. Thus women are falling behind in their
careers throughout the world. There are also wide disparities in the benefits which women get legally
in different parts of the world. This review paper seeks to collect the answer to many questions about
maternity leave heretofore largely unaddressed.
The objective of this review paper is to serve as a compilation of knowledge about maternity leave and
other benefits offered to mother to get better work life balance. Wide differences in maternity leave
policies that exist between Bangladesh and the west will be pointed out. This paper particularly seeks
to look into what existing research suggests about the following topics:
 Does getting maternity leave increase women’s chances of getting back to work or they just take
the leave and then stop working?
 Does good facilities encourage more women to work?
 Overall, do employers gain or lose as a result of allowing women time off from work?
 What schedule options can be offered to employees so that they are better able to balance work
and family responsibilities?
Muhammad ZiaulhaqMamun, Professor, Institute of Business Administration, University of

Dhaka, Neaz Ahmed, Associate , Professor, Institute of Business Administration, University of
Dhaka, M Mahboob-E-Sattar, Associate Professor, Institute of Business Administration,
University of Dhaka (2007); Factory Law’s Implementation in the workplace of Public Sector
Jute Mills of Bangladesh: Workers’ Perception:
In this Journal the authors said that, the application of Factory Act Provisions (The Factories Act-1965
and subsequent rules of 1979) in the public sector jute mills of Bangladesh shows a substantial lack of
implementation of the provisions in the work place. The overall health and hygiene provisions are
found much below the average. The safety and security provisions are also perceived to be below the
standard average. The journal also reflect that, the main lacking in this respect are fire exits and its
marking, youths working with hazardous machines, and training of the workers on safety provisions.
It also said that working hours, leaves and holidays provisions are found more or less in conformance
with the factory acts provision. The main reasons that can be attributed to this are negligence,
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carelessness, lack of management authority and control over the persons responsible for this, fund
shortage, etc.
All these suggest scope and need for immediate improvement of the management system and gradual
implementation of the provisions of the Act at the work place of the public sector enterprises of
Bangladesh. In reality the once thriving jute industry of Bangladesh is eclipsing and may ultimately
collapse if the present alarming trend continues. This calls for policy intervention for this indigenous
sector.
1. Salma ChaudhuriZohir&Pratima Paul-Majumder (1996); Garment Worker in Bangladesh,

Economic, Social and Health condition:
This monograph was an outcome of the research undertaken by the Bangladesh Institute of
Development Studies (BIDS) at the request of the Ministry of Planning, Government of Bangladesh in
1990. The study intendant to look into the socioeconomic conditions of the Bangladeshi garments,
with particular emphasis on the following aspect:
(1) Economic conditions, such as wage, regularity in wage payment, recruitment procedures, nature of
overtime work, regularity in overtime payment, provision of leave, and gender-differences in
earnings.
(2) Social security.
(3) Work environment and health condition.
(4) Status of garment workers in the society at large.
The study also look into some of the characteristics of the firms in terms of their size, organization,
location, and sub-contracting. This research crucially dependent on the cooperation of the owner of
firms as well as the workers who shared their personal experience with the writers.
Siddiqi (2004) in his book ‘The Readymade Garment Industry of Bangladesh’ discusses the
importance of RMG industry in the national economy and notes, the RMG industry has become so
important that the future of the economy of Bangladesh is greatly dependent on this single sector. Any
slowdown in this sector will slow down the economic progress of Bangladesh. He analyses the
strength and weakness of RMG industry of Bangladesh and suggests how to ensure its better future in
the context of changing global apparel market. He explains why the problems caused by the phasing
out of MFA will continue to be a matter of great concern. He argues that the industry would survive
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and be able to thrive in the post-MFA era if appropriate strategies on capacity building through
backward and forward linkages, cost reduction, market diversification, product differentiation,
infrastructural development, reduction of lead time etc. are implemented. To substantiate his position,
he draws insights from the experience of many countries. However, issue of labor unrest in this sector
has not been discussed.
2.2 Theoretical Framework

Bangladesh Labor law Act-2006 and the subsequent Rules has laid down derailed provisions regarding
workers service rules, policy, identity card and service book, maternity benefits, wage and overtime,
compensation for injury by accident, provident fund, health and hygiene, safety and security, welfare
and working hours, leaves and holiday provision.
Section-5 of Labor Law Act-2006 explained the provision regarding appointment and identity card.
This section provides that no employer shall employ any worker without giving such worker a letter of
appointment and every such employed worker shall be provided with an identity card with
photograph. Section-6 and 7 tells that every employer shall, at his own cost, provide a service book
for every worker employed by him and the service book shall contain the personal and job related all
necessary information of the worker.
Section-46 and 47 has laid down derailed provisions regarding maternity benefit and maternity leave.
Section- 46 provides that every woman employed in an establishment shall be entitled to and her
employer shall be liable for, the payment of maternity benefit in respect of the period of eight weeks
preceding the expected day of her delivery and eight weeks immediately following the day of her
delivery. By Section-47, any pregnant woman entitled to maternity benefit under this act may, on any
day, give notice either orally or in writing to her employer that she expects to be confined within eight
weeks next following.
Section-120 to 124 has also laid down derailed provisions regarding wage and the extra payment for
overtime. Section 121 and 122 provides that every employer shall be responsible for the payment to
workers employed by him of all wages required to be paid under this act and every person responsible
for the payment of wages under Section-121 shall fix period, to be called wage periods, in respect of
which such wages shall payable and also provides that no wage period shall exceed one month.
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Section-123 explained that the wages of every worker shall be paid before the expiry of the seventh
day after the last day of the wage period in respect of which the wages are payable.
Section-150provides that if personal injury is caused to a worker by accident arising out of and in the
course of his employment, his employer shall be liable to pay compensation. The employer shall not
be liable to pay compensation.
Section-264 provides that an establishment in the private sector may constitute for the benefit of its
worker a provident fund. The Sub Section-9 of this Section explained that every permanent worker
shall, after the completion of his one year of service in the establishment constituting the provident
fund, subscribe to the fund, every fund, every month, a sum, unless otherwise mutually agreed, not
less than seven per cent and not more than eight per cent of his monthly basic wages and the employer
shall contribute to it an equal amount.
Section-51 in Labor Law Act-2006 provides that every establishment shall be kept clean and free from
effluvia arising from any drain privy or other nuisance. Dirt and refuge shall be moved daily from the
floors and benches of workrooms and from staircases and passages. The floor of every workroom shall
be cleaned at least once in every week. All inside walls and partitions, all ceilings or tops of rooms,
passages or staircases should be painted or varnished at least once in three year or cleaned and washed
with proper color at least once in a fourteen month.
Section-52 has prescribed that every workroom in the garments must have adequate ventilation
facilities so that there remain adequate circulations of fresh air in the room. The temperature in the
workroom should be kept within the tolerable limit of the workers.
Section- 56 has set guidelines for restricting overcrowding in the workrooms and ensuring free
movement of the workers at the workplace.
Section -57 provides that in every part of a garments or factory where workers are working or passing,
there shall be provided and maintained sufficient and suitable lighting, natural or artificial, or both.
Section- 58 states that there should be sufficient and proper arrangement for wholesome drinking
water, container legibly marked as “drinking water” and must be kept at place maintained twenty feet
away from washing place, urinals and latrines.
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Section- 59 spells out that there should be adequate number of specific type of latrines and urinals for
the workers at the workplace. There should be separate latrines and urinals for male and female, as
well as, there should be proper arrangements for keeping them in hygienic condition.
Section-62 of Labor Law Act-2006 provides that every factory building should have adequate number
of ‘fire exit’ and they must be marked legibly in red colored letters. There should be proper fire alarm
system to make worker alert at the outbreak of fire in the factory. During working hours no factory
room must not be fastened from outside in such way that can’t be opened from inside. There should be
adequate and effective firefighting equipment and the workers must be trained to use them.
Section- 89 provides that in every part of the establishment where workers work there should be first-
aid box. The box should contain first-aid kits and should be kept in such a manner that it becomes
accessible to every worker during the working hours. It also lays down that for every 150 workers
there should be at least one box. Where 500 or more workers work there should be a “dispensary
room” with proper facilities and manpower.
Section- 92 in Bangladesh Labor Law-2006 places requirement that where 100 or more workers are
ordinarily employed a canteen should be there with proper arrangements.
Section-94 provides that in every factory, wherein more than 40 women workers are ordinarily
employed, there shall be provided and maintained a suitable room or rooms for the use of children
under age of six years of such women.
Section-101 to 118 of Labor Law Act -2006 and the subsequent Rules has laid down detailed
provisions regarding working hours, leaves and holidays. Section-101 provides that working hours
should be scheduled in such fashion that every worker get one hour interval after working six hours at
a stretch. If he is allowed interval of half hour it should be provided after five hours working at a
stretch. Section-103 provides that no adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a factory for
more than forty-eight hour in a week. For a day a worker can work up to 10 hours by Section -100 and
by Section- 102 total hours of work of an adult worker shall not exceed sixty hours in any week and
on the average fifty-six hours per week in any year.
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Section-108 states that where a worker works in an establishment on any day or week for more than
the hours fixed under this Act, he shall, in respect of overtime work, be entitled to allowance at the
rate of twice his ordinary rate of basic wage and dearness allowance and ad-hoc or interim pay, if any.
Section- 117 suggest that in general workers who are working in a factory for the last 12 months are entitled to
get annual leave with pay at the rate of one day leave for twenty –two working days. In case of child labor
workers this rate will be revised as one day leave for fifteen working days.
Section -116 suggested that any worker be entitle to 14 days of sick leave on full pay.
The Bangladesh garments manufactures and exporters association (BGMEA) is the trade body that
represents the export oriented woven, knit and sweater garments manufacturers and export of the
country. Readymade Garments (RMG) is the leading sector of Bangladesh in terms of employment,
production and foreign earnings. RMG sector alone accounts for around 80% of the yearly foreign
exchange earnings of the country. About 4 million people are employed in this sector. The importance
of garments sector can be hardly be over emphasized. There has been a steady growth in the field of
RMG during last two decades. The RMG industry enjoyed a meteoric rise from 30 enterprises in 1980
increased to about 4222 in 2013-14 fiscal years. For our research of “Labor Law Implementation in
RMG Sector of Bangladesh” I have chosen 02 readymade garments localize in Dhaka Division to
collect data for our research purpose.
The RMG industry involves various stakeholders covering from public, private and international
organizations. Ministry of Labor and Employment and its sub-ordinate offices, Ministry of Home
Affairs and various law enforcing agencies, political leaders of central and local government, local
administration comprise the public side whereas factory owners, managers, officers, garments
workers, BGMEA, workers’ association, member of civil society organizations, NGO activists fall in
private sector. In respect of production, export, earning foreign exchange, contribution to GDP,
employment, investment and business mobilization, RMG sector of Bangladesh has been a flourishing
industry. Its importance has crossed geographical boundary of the country. Garments business of many
international markets in Europe and North America depends on production of garments factories of
Bangladesh. It involves stakeholders from various corners covering public, private and international
organizations. Given the fabulous volume of trade of the industry, the increasing trends of declining
the labor rights regarding wage, safety and security, welfare etc. in the RMG sector has been a matter
P a g e |26
of serious concern. Solving labor above problem in this sector is nearly impossible by a single agency
like government or BGMEA or a civil society organization. If private sector (garments factory owners,
managers, officers, work-force, labor leaders, BGMEA, civil society organizations) with their first-
hand knowledge and experience cooperate with public agencies having power and authority, labor
rights in the RMG sector is supposed to be solved by effective application of labor law in the RMG
sector.
The objective of this section is to develop a framework for analysis. This section is divided into three
parts. The first part deals with concept of existing labor law provisions, its Implementation in the
RMG sector of Bangladesh. The second part of this chapter deals with analytical framework. The
analytical framework comprises of a dependent variable and nine independent variables. RMG sector
has been taken here as dependent variable while nine areas such as service rule and policy, maternity
benefits, wage and overtime, compensation for injury by accident, provident fund, health and hygiene,
safety and security, welfare and working hours, leaves and holiday provision.
The research design provides a framework to the researcher to navigate the journey in the field and
finally execute the study. The nature of the problem to be studied and research questions to be
answered which are the guiding pillars to decide what approach and strategy would be employed to
pursue a research. According to Creswell (2003) research design fall into three categories:
a. Quantitative
b. Qualitative and
c. Mixed method.
My research plan is to analyze my research questions based on my survey data analysis using the
mixed method. In the report body I also discuss in details the relevant factors of analysis and fix my
critical alpha level. The researcher has adopted the survey type of research in which a sample from the
target population will be used for the study. In total, a sample of 55 elementshas to be selected from a
targeted population. Details of the sample are as follows: The sample is 40 workers (20 from each
garments factory). The study has adopted a multistage stratified sampling method to select elements.
A structured questionnaire has to be developed and is used as the survey tool for the study. Most of the
questionnaire was the closed-ended type.
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As I am opting for a survey based research report, my plan is to analyze my survey data putting it in a
graphical presentation of the same data value in pie charts, bar chart using Microsoft Excel 2007.
CHAPTER 3
About the company
The Bangladesh garments manufactures and exporters association (BGMEA) is the trade body that
represents the export oriented woven, knit and sweater garments manufacturers and export of the
country. Readymade Garments (RMG) is the leading sector of Bangladesh in terms of employment,
production and foreign earnings. RMG sector alone accounts for around 80% of the yearly foreign
exchange earnings of the country. About 4 million people are employed in this sector. The importance
of garments sector can be hardly be over emphasized. There has been a steady growth in the field of
RMG during last two decades. The RMG industry enjoyed a meteoric rise from 30 enterprises in 1980
increased to about 4222 in 2013-14 fiscal years. For our research of “Labor Law Implementation in
RMG Sector of Bangladesh” we have chosen 02 readymade garments localize in Dhaka Division to
collect data for our research purpose.
Brief organizational profile of those selected 02 garments as below:
3.1Company Profile of Asrotex Group
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Asrotex Group
At ASROTEX Group we strive to go far beyond our customers’ expectations, and pride ourselves on
making high quality garments at the most competitive prices, allowing our valued customers to
expand their growing business. We deliver on time and the satisfaction of our customers is the ultimate
goal of our business. We offer knitted garments for all ages. Our full line of knit products includes; t-
shirts, polo shirts, dresses, sweatshirts, hooded jackets, tank tops, camisoles, pants, shorts, jeggings,
track suits, sleepwear, and much more.
We are one of the leading vertical-integrated knitwear manufacturer and exporters in Bangladesh. We
are engaged in manufacturing quality knit fabrics and garments.
Our capacity is currently 6 million pieces garments per month. Our products are manufactured using
top quality yarn that is procured from class one sources across the world.
Who We Are
ASROTEX Group was founded in 1995. We are a privately held family business. At Asrotex Group
we specialize in manufacturing all knitted garments. We are one of the leading vertical-integrated
knitwear manufacturers and exporters in Bangladesh. Our activity is highly motivated by our passion
for fast fashion and our willingness to meet our clients’ and partners’ requirements each and every
time. Our strengths are flexibility, diversity and innovation. Most importantly we recognize and give
our full commitment to our customer’s compliance.
We are one of the leading vertical-integrated knitwear manufacturer and exporters in Bangladesh. We
are engaged in manufacturing quality knit fabrics and garments.
Our capacity is currently 6 million pieces garments per month. Our products are manufactured using
top quality yarn that is procured from class one sources across the world.
Our Mission is to strengthen relationships around the world that will allow Asrotex Group to offer
competitive advantages in the global market. At Asrotex Group our unmatched pursuit to execute
products and services of the highest quality for our valued customers is our ultimate mission.
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Our Vision is to be a leader in the global textile and apparel industry. We want to lead the way going
into the near future by strengthening our business units, by our continuous investments, and through
our devotion to the development of our most valuable resource: RELATIONSHIPS. We feel we are on
the fore front of the apparel industry.
Membership & Certifications

We are a member of BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMEA, EPB & the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
We are an approved supplier of BSCI, WRAP, OekoTex, SEDEX, ISO 9001-2008, GOTS, Disney
(ELMAU) Wal-Mart, CT-PAT, and we are a proud member of the Accord & Alliance code of conduct.
Our Facilities
Knitting
Dyeing
Finishing
Sewing
Printing–AOP
Embroidery
Trims&Packaging
Washing
Our Production Line

We offer a full range of products in many categories to suit our customers requirements and the
demands of the market place. Our complete production line covers basic, casual, work and high-
performance active wear. We have in house designers who are able to produce fashion trends to meet
the fast pace of the emerging markets.Trims&Packaging
Garments Manufacturing Division

The ASROTEX Group Garments division offers an exciting range of Men’s, Ladies & Children’s wear
that are designed using our highest quality fabrics. We manufacture t-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts,
fast fashion designs, athletic and sleepwear. We develop all up and coming new fabrics for the regions
of the world. We work with all major retailers and importers in all continents. Our quality garments
have earned us worldwide appreciation and praise.
 Men
 Women
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 Children
Our Customers
For 20 years, Asrotex Group has been supplying the top retailers of the world with outstanding service
and fine apparel for the retail market. With access to a global supply chain, we have the capacity to
reach over 30,000 retail doors across the world.
Company Location:
Dharmagonj, Enayetnagar, Fatullah, Narayangonj-1400
Corporate Office
Asrotex Group
House 85, Road 4, Block B
Banani, Dhaka 1213 Bangladesh
Organogram of Asrotex Group

Other Related Information
 Capacity: 1,20,000 sq. ft.
 Number of line: 39
 Number of Machine: 850
 Major Buyers: BRICE, KARIBAN, LECLERC, C & A, DEVRED, BIG W, STANLEY STELLA, , ALDI,
LIDL, BEST & LESS
 Production Capacity: 10,00,000 pieces. (monthly)
 Labor numbers: 1316 Person
 Management Staffs: 230 Person
 Financial Turnover : 510 Million
3.2Company Profile of Starlet Apparles Ltd.
Starlet Apparles Ltd.
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STARLET APPARELS LTD. (SAL) has the in-housing Knitting, Sewing, Print & Dyeing (Agreement) in
separated place a strong commitment to make the remarkable existence in this arena. As a company our first
strategy is on time shipment with quality goods.
Devotion for the excellence” by uttering this phrase one of the finest light knitwear Manufacturing
Company has started journey in the arena of Bangladesh name STARLET APPARLES LTD. from June 2007.
Vision & Mission

Presenting the world a finest fashion house by creating innovative product with the brand name as STARLET
APPARELS LTD.
Certificates & Standard:

SAL achieve Certificates of BSCI (SOCIAL AUDIT REPORT), OEKO-TEX® 100, ACCORD& SADEX. We
have our in-house testing Lab BGMEA -Certified Physical/Color Fastness Testing Lab. We are determined to
consistently improve our quality management systems by upgrading technology, capabilities and infrastructure.
We continue to strive to provide superior products which are both eco-friendly and competitively priced to our
customers.
Policies of Company
To provide on time delivery goods, quality, product through appropriate system & educate resources.
To establish quality management system ensuring that the offered service & Products meet the requirement
in most effective & efficient way for the complete satisfaction of customers.
To meet requirement and the expectation of internal & external customers Community country & society
as a whole.
Knitting Division:
The company has her own Knitting factory which is situated in separated place from the Garments Division.
For the quality Fabric we always believe on quality knitting so we have the few modern & branded types of
machinery as per our production capacity.
Dyeing Division:
Regarding dyeing we been doing contract our total capacity to RUPASHI GROUP. The company has all sorts
of modern equipment to make all type of Modern Fabrics. We used to use their full capacity of Vertical set up
like we make total All Over Print (AOP) RUPASHI GROUP as well we use their Washing Plant to do all Wash
P a g e |32
Items (Hot Wash, Pigment Dye, Cool Dye, Dirty Wash, Stone Wash Etc.) as well we use their knitting plant
even.
Print Division:
The company has 2 Print Unit 1 named “CLASS ONE PRINT” which is situated in separated place from the
Garments Division another in the Garments Floor. In our print we have the capacity of around 20,000 Pcs print
in a day. We can do all type of garments print such as- Pigment, Rubber, Plastisol, Flock, Foyel, High-density,
Discharge, Photo etc.
Garments Division:
Cutting:
In consideration of productivity we have all sorts’ modern equipment as per our capacity production.
Sewing:
When we started fifty in was 3 lines consisting 60 Machines. Now we have now 10 lines consisting 270
Machines. In consideration of productivity & quality production we have all sorts’ modern & branded
machineries as per our capacity.
Capacity
STARLETAPPARLESLTD.hasagreatdiagramaboutthehighvolumeofproductionrespecting goodquality&
ontimedelivery.
Per day production Capacity Present

Basic–20,000Pcs.
Pique–14,000 Pcs,
Fancy–12,000 Pcs.
Other Related Information

 Production Items:T-Shirt, Polo Shirt, TankTop, Trousers, Baby Suits & All sorts of Knit Items
 Exporting countries: Netherlands, Germany, Poland
 Major Buyers:LPP (Poland), Zeeman (Netherlands), Ernstings Family (Germany)
 Labor numbers: 500 Person
 Management Staffs: 65 Person
 Financial Turnover : Yearly USD $7 Million /Annum
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CHAPTER 4
Findings from the Study
In this chapter those data are analyses and the results and compare with our study objectives which are
collected from the selected garments of Bangladesh mainly localizes in Dhaka division. In this section
the discussion will be limited to service rule and service policy, maternity benefits, wage and overtime
payments, compensation for injury by accident, provident fund, health and hygiene, safety and
security, welfare and working hours, leaves and holiday provided by the Bangladesh Labor Law Act
2006.
4.1 Service Rule and Service Policy Provisions

The Labor law Act-2006 and the subsequent Rules has laid down derailed provisions regarding
workers service rules, policy, identity card and service book. Section-5 of Bangladesh Labor Law
Act-2006 explained the provision regarding appointment and identity card. This section provides that
no employer shall employ any worker without giving such worker a letter of appointment and every
such employed worker shall be provided with an identity card with photograph. Section-6 and 7 tells
that every employer shall, at his own cost, provide a service book for every worker employed by him
and the service book shall contain the personal and job related all necessary information of the
worker.
The applications of these provisions in studied garments factories are discussed below (Table: 1).
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Table: 1
A) Response regarding existing practices of “Service Rule and Policy” in Garments Sector of
Bangladesh
Sl. No. Parameters Index

1.0 Service rule or policy in your organization? 3.18
Received the letter of appointment when you join this
2.0 4.00
organization?
Register book which contains information in
3.0 1.62
organization?
4.0 Got identity card with along with picture? 4.00
Have a service book maintained by your
5.0 2.35
management?
6.0 Have received payment for your un availed leave? 2.35
Findings:
The Labor Law Act-2006 has laid down various provisions regarding workers. Here we can see that
service rule is sufficient almost every factory. The result shows that maximum garments have their
organizational service rule and policy (3.18) and also every workers have received appointment letter
during joining (4.00). Most of the garments provides service book (2.35) and contain register book
(1.62) in proper way. Every worker have identity card along with their picture. This is very good rate
(4.00). But payment during unavailable leave is average (2.35). This indicates that that the situation
should be change and the government and garments authority should be more concern about it. There
should be a proper service rule in every company and documents should be maintain in a proper way.
P a g e |35
Graphical Presentation of the above finding
Figure 1: Labor Law Application Regarding Service Rule and Policy

50% workers respond that their garments are well organized, 37% believe garments policies are
medium and 13% relythat garments policies are on an averagelyorganized.
4.2 Maternity Benefits Provisions

Section-46 and 47 of Labor law Act-2006 and the subsequent Rules has laid down derailed provisions
regarding maternity benefit and maternity leave. Section- 46 provides that every woman employed in
an establishment shall be entitled to and her employer shall be liable for, the payment of maternity
benefit in respect of the period of eight weeks preceding the expected day of her delivery and eight
weeks immediately following the day of her delivery. By Section-47, any pregnant woman entitled to
maternity benefit under this act may, on any day, give notice either orally or in writing to her employer
that she expects to be confined within eight weeks next following.
The applications of the above provisions in studied garments factories are discussed below (Table: 2).
Table: 2
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B) Response Regarding Maternity Benefits Provisions of Labor Lawsin Garments Sector of
Bangladesh

Proper knowledge about the maternity benefits
7.0 2.35
provision of your organization?
Have received the maternity benefits from
8.0 1.62
organization?
9.0 Have received the maternity benefits only in Cash? 2.93
10.0 Have received the maternity benefits only by Leave? 2.35
Findings:
Most of the workers have idea about maternity benefit (2.35). Most of the worker get the benefits in cash (2.93).
Most of companies are trying to avoid these facilities and they do not provide any benefit for it. From our
study we see that most of the women worker only received the maternity leave (1.62). The overall
situation is average and in some extent very alarming.
Graphical Presentation of the above finding:
Figure 2: Received Maternity Benefit with Leave

The above figure shows that only 88% women workers received maternity benefit with leave from the
employer, 12% women did not received any such of benefit.
4.3 Wage Provisions
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Section-120 to 124 of Bangladesh Labor law Act-2006 and the subsequent Rules has laid down
derailed provisions regarding wage and the extra payment for overtime. Section 121 and 122 provides
that every employer shall be responsible for the payment to workers employed by him of all wages
required to be paid under this act and every person responsible for the payment of wages under
Section-121 shall fix period, to be called wage periods, in respect of which such wages shall payable
and also provides that no wage period shall exceed one month. Section-123 explained that the wages
of every worker shall be paid before the expiry of the seventh day after the last day of the wage period
in respect of which the wages are payable.
The applications of the major provisions in studied garments factories are discussed below (Table: 3).
Table: 3
C) Response Regarding Wage Provisions of Labor Laws in Garments Sector of Bangladesh

11.0 Have received wages in due wage period 2.35
12.0 Received extra payment for overtime in due time? 3.18
13.0 Medium of wage Payment? – i) Cash ii) Bank 4.00
Findings:
The result shows that most of the workers have received their wage in due time (3.18). But most of the
workers have no idea about existing law of payment of wages and also have no idea about the actual
rate of overtime payment. Most of them get their overtime payment in due time but it is not equal to
the provision of extra allowance for over time provided in Section-108.
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Figure 3: Satisfaction level of wage and overtime payment
The above graph represent that the satisfaction level of worker about wage and overtime payment is
not very high. 75% employees are highly satisfied about their wage and overtime payment.
4.4 Compensation for Injury by Accident Provisions

derailed provisions regarding compensation for injury by accident. Section-150 provides that if
personal injury is caused to a worker by accident arising out of and in the course of his employment,
his employer shall be liable to pay compensation. The employer shall not be liable to pay
compensation.
The applications of the major provisions in studied garments factories are discussed below (Table: 4).
Table: 4
D) Response Regarding Compensation for Injury by Accident of Labor Laws in Garments
Sector of Bangladesh
P a g e |39
14.0 Provision for compensation by accident? 4.00
Have received compensation for any kind of injury by
15.0 2.93
accident?
Findings:
The result shows that most of garments under our study has the provision of compensation by accident
(4.00) and the respondents says that most of them that facilities the compensation (2.93).
Figure: 4 Available compensation for Injury by Accident

The above graph shows that most of the garment workers are received the compensation for injury by
accident.
4.5 Provident Fund Provisions

derailed provisions regarding provident fund. Section-264 provides that an establishment in the private
sector may constitute for the benefit of its worker a provident fund. The Sub Section-9 of this Section
explained that every permanent worker shall, after the completion of his one year of service in the
establishment constituting the provident fund, subscribe to the fund, every fund, every month, a sum,
P a g e |40
unless otherwise mutually agreed, not less than seven per cent and not more than eight per cent of his
monthly basic wages and the employer shall contribute to it an equal amount.
Table: 5
E) Response Regarding Provident Fund of Labor Laws in Garments Sector of Bangladesh

16.0 Have provident funds in your organization? 2.65
Have you demanded for provident funds in your
17.0 -4.00
organization?
18.0 Have understanding on provident fund? 2.93
Findings:
The result shows that most of the garments have provident fund (2.65). Above the average number of
worker have well understanding for it (2.93). But the law says different things. It is mandatory for all
garments. Big garments are aware of it. But small and mid-level garments do not have any provident
fund provision.
P a g e |41
Figure 4: Provident Fund Facilities in RMG Sector
As a measure of the provident fund in RMG sector the above results says that about 75% garments
workers have the idea about provident fund and about 15% worker express that their organization
processing to introduce the provision in their organization.
4.6 Health and Hygiene Provision

Section-51 in Labor Law Act-2006 provides that every establishment shall be kept clean and free from
effluvia arising from any drain privy or other nuisance. Dirt and refuge shall be moved daily from the
floors and benches of workrooms and from staircases and passages. The floor of every workroom shall
be cleaned at least once in every week. All inside walls and partitions, all ceilings or tops of rooms,
passages or staircases should be painted or varnished at least once in three year or cleaned and washed
with proper color at least once in a fourteen month.
Section-52 has prescribed that every workroom in the garments must have adequate ventilation
facilities so that there remain adequate circulations of fresh air in the room. The temperature in the
workroom should be kept within the tolerable limit of the workers.
Section- 56 has set guidelines for restricting overcrowding in the workrooms and ensuring free
movement of the workers at the workplace.
Section -57 provides that in every part of a garments or factory where workers are working or passing,
there shall be provided and maintained sufficient and suitable lighting, natural or artificial, or both.
P a g e |42
Section- 58 states that there should be sufficient and proper arrangement for wholesome drinking
water, container legibly marked as “drinking water” and must be kept at place maintained twenty feet
away from washing place, urinals and latrines.
Section- 59 spells out that there should be adequate number of specific type of latrines and urinals for
the workers at the workplace. There should be separate latrines and urinals for male and female, as
well as, there should be proper arrangements for keeping them in hygienic condition.
Section- 60 prescribes that there should be adequate number of spittoons at convenient positions of
the workplace and they should be maintained in hygienic condition.
The applications of the above major provisions in studied garments factories are discussed below
(Table: 6).
P a g e |43
Table: 6
F) Response Regarding Health and Hygiene of Labor Laws in Garments Sector of Bangladesh

The dirt & refuge moves daily from the floor,
19.0 4.00
benches in the work room, stair cases passages daily.
The floors of the work room cleaned once in a week
20.0 4.00
by washing, using disinfectants where necessary.
The inside walls, partitions, all ceilings, or tops of the
rooms and walls, side & tops or passages and
21.0 4.00
staircases painted, varnished kept clean once in one &
a half year.
There are adequate provision for circulation of fresh
22.0 2.35
air in the room.
23.0 There are reasonable temperature in the workroom 4.00
24.0 You can move freely in the workroom 4.00
25.0 Proper lighting (natural or artificial) in the workplace 2.01
Adequate measure for protection from glare &
26.0 4.00
shadow of artificial lighting
Proper arrangement for pure drinking water in the
27.0 1.62
workplace
The water container is marked "Drinking Water"
28.0 legibly & kept 20 feet away from urinals & wash 2.35
places
29.0 Facility for keeping drinking water cool in summer 4.00
Sufficient number of separate latrines & urinals for
30.0 2.65
male & female in workplace
The latrines & urinals are cleaned daily & kept in
31.0 4.00
sanitary condition in appropriate way.
Adequate number of separate washrooms for male &
32.0 4.00
female in workplace
33.0 Spittoons cleaned daily & kept in sanitary condition 4.00
Findings:
The response show that ‘the dirt and refuge moved daily from the floors, benches in the workroom,
staircases and passes daily is maintained regularly (4.00). The floors are regularly cleaned once in a
week (4.00). However, the inside walls, partitions etc. are also kept cleaned every garments (4.00).
The results indicate that the fresh air circulation arrangement in enough at the work place (2.35) in
P a g e |44
most of the garments. And the temperature is comfortable for the worker (4.00). The respondents feel
that free movement in the work place is up to the legal standard (4.00).
Study found that lighting condition is at the average level (2.01). The measures for protection from
glare and shadow of artificial lighting is somewhat above the average standard (4.00). The results
show that the proper arrangement for drinking water is up to the legal standard (2.35). ‘Drinking
water’ is marked (2.35) and a well condition of the facility for keeping drinking water cool in summer
is observed by the workers of the study (4.00). The results also show that the number of latrines and
urinals at the work place are sufficient (2.65) and the latrines and urinals are kept cleaned regularly in
most of the garments (4.00). But separate washrooms for male and female workers are perceived to be
adequate (4.00).
Study identified a very sufficient placement of the spittoons at the proper places and their regular
cleaning (4.00).
From the above discussions it is very clear that health and hygiene applications of the labor law act in
the garments.
Figure 5: Health and Hygiene Application in RMG Sector.

As a measure of working environment in the RMG sector; 55% opinion with good while 3% suggest
environment is very bad. When skill and experience labor move to another company in RMG they are
P a g e |45
familiar to any environment. Averagely, they are satisfied regarding working environment in RMG
sector.
4.7 Safety and Security Provision

Section-62 of Bangladesh Labor Law Act-2006 provides that every factory building should have
adequate number of ‘fire exit’ and they must be marked legibly in red colored letters. There should be
proper fire alarm system to make worker alert at the outbreak of fire in the factory. During working
hours no factory room must not be fastened from outside in such way that can’t be opened from inside.
There should be adequate and effective firefighting equipment and the workers must be trained to use
them.
Section-64 prescribes that only adult male workers with tight-fit outfits should be employed to work
at moving type of machinery. In addition to this, Section-34 to 40 provides that normally no young
person (aged between 14 and 18 years) should be allowed to work at dangerous machinery. Only the
young person can work at such machinery if they are properly trained to do so. They must carry out
their assignments under supervision of well-trained and knowledgeable person. Before giving young
person any such assignment he must be certified by the proper authority about his capability of
performing such job.
The applications of the major provisions of safety and security in studied garments factories are
discussed below (Table: 7).
Table: 7
G) Response Regarding Safety and Security Provision of Labor Lawsin Garments Sector of
Bangladesh

34.0 Adequate number of fire exits in the workplace 4.00
35.0 Fire exits are marked FIRE in red letters. 4.00
36.0 Adequate arrangements of fire alarming 4.00
37.0 Adequate numbers of firefighting equipment 2.35
38.0 Workers are trained to use the firefighting equipment 4.00
39.0 Only adult trained person work with machinery in motion 2.35
Young person (over 14 but below 18 years) works in
40.0 -4.00
dangerous machinery.
Young people have certificate from proper authority
41.0 1.62
regarding fitness
42.0 The workers require to take excessive weight 1.62
P a g e |46
Findings:
The results show an adequate number of fire exits at the work place (4.00). The fire exits are properly
marked in red color (4.00). However, the respondents feel that there is a sufficient arrangement of fire
alarming in the garments (4.00) and the firefightingequipment are adequate in numbers (2.35) and the
workers are also trained in handling firefighting equipment (4.00).
The study results also show that only the adult-trained person work with machinery in motion in
garments (2.35). But sometimes the young persons are engaged in the dangerous machines (4.00).
Moreover, the garments hardly provide certificates to young people regarding fitness for working in
the garments. Law provides that no person in the garments should be allowed to lift, carry or move
any load so heavy as to be likely to cause him injury. Most of the garments properly maintained this
law. The results show that workers are not allowed to take excessive weight (1.62).
It is very clear that training and awareness development is least emphasized in garments sector in
Bangladesh.
Figure 6: Application of Safety and Security Provision

The above graphical presentation shows that 50% maintained the safety and security provision and
45% has negligence about safety.
4.8 Welfare Provisions
P a g e |47
Section- 89 of Bangladesh Labor Law Act-2006 provides that in every part of the establishment where
workers work there should be first-aid box. The box should contain first-aid kits and should be kept in
such a manner that it becomes accessible to every worker during the working hours. It also lays down
that for every 150 workers there should be at least one box. Where 500 or more workers work there
should be a “dispensary room” with proper facilities and manpower.
Section- 92 in Bangladesh Labor Law-2006 places requirement that where 100 or more workers are
ordinarily employed a canteen should be there with proper arrangements.
Section- 93 adds that in every establishment wherein more than 50 workers are ordinarily employed,
adequate and suitable shelter or rest rooms, and suitable lunchroom with provision for drinking water
where workers can eat meals brought by them, shall be provided and maintained for the use of the
workers.
Section-94 provides that in every factory, wherein more than 40 women workers are ordinarily
employed, there shall be provided and maintained a suitable room or rooms for the use of children
under age of six years of such women.
The applications of the above provisions in studied garments sectors are discussed below (Table: 8).
Table: 8
H) Response Regarding Welfare Provisions of Labor Laws in Garments Sector of Bangladesh

First aid boxes available in the easily accessible positions
43.0 4.00
of the work place
44.0 One first aid box is arranged for 150 workers. 4.00
Know the person who is responsible for first aid treatment
45.0 and have a dispensary room with properly equipped 3.10
(Applicable if the number of workers 500).
46.0 Have any safety record book 2.65
47.0 Have any safety committee in my factory 2.35
There is a canteen in the workplace (Applicable if the
number of worker are more than 100) and a rest room
48.0 (Applicable if the number of workers are more than 2.35
50),Childcare facility for the female workers (Applicable
if there is more than 40 female workers)
Findings:
P a g e |48
The results show that first aid boxes are available at the easily accessible position of the work place
(4.00). The policy of ‘one first aid box for 150 workers is maintained in most of garments (4.00).
There is a dispensary room in some of the garments and it is properly maintained (3.10). In Section 90
and 90A provides in every establishment factory wherein more than 25 workers are employed, shall
maintained compulsory, in the manner prescribed by rule, a safety record book and safety information
board and where in any factory, 50 or more workers are employed, there shall be a Safety Committee
formed and functioned in the manner prescribed by Rule. And results show that these provisions are
maintained in every garments properly (2.35).
The results show that the canteen facilities are not adequate for the workers (2.35).
The rest room in garments and also the childcare facility for the female workers is found to be bellow
standard (2.35). Here average index is 3.08.
The application of welfare provisions gives an overall picture at the garments sector of Bangladesh.
Most of the provisions are perceived by the respondents are found on an average.
P a g e |49
Figure 7: Availability of Welfare Provision
The above graphical presentation shows that Employer only 55% provide welfare provision for their
workers in an adequate manner and around 45% not provide facility of welfare.
4.9 Working Hours, Leaves and Holidays Provisions

Section-101 to 118 of Labor Law Act -2006 and the subsequent Rules has laid down detailed
provisions regarding working hours, leaves and holidays. Section-101 provides that working hours
should be scheduled in such fashion that every worker get one hour interval after working six hours at
a stretch. If he is allowed interval of half hour it should be provided after five hours working at a
stretch. Section-103 provides that no adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a factory for
more than forty-eight hour in a week. For a day a worker can work up to 10 hours by Section -100 and
by Section- 102 total hours of work of an adult worker shall not exceed sixty hours in any week and
on the average fifty-six hours per week in any year.
Section-104 describes that where any worker who has to work on the scheduled holiday is entitled to
compensatory holiday. That particular worker should be awarded compensatory of his lost holiday. This
compensatory holiday must be awarded to the worker within two months it has been due to him.
Section-108 states that where a worker works in an establishment on any day or week for more than the hours
fixed under this Act, he shall, in respect of overtime work, be entitled to allowance at the rate of twice his
ordinary rate of basic wage and dearness allowance and ad-hoc or interim pay, if any.
P a g e |50
Section- 117 suggest that in general workers who are working in a factory for the last 12 months are entitled to
get annual leave with pay at the rate of one day leave for twenty –two working days. In case of child labor
workers this rate will be revised as one day leave for fifteen working days.
Section -116 suggested that any worker be entitle to 14 days of sick leave on full pay.
Table: 9
I) Response Regarding Working Hours, Leaves and Holidays Labor Laws in Garments Sector
of Bangladesh

49.0 Enjoy weekly holiday 2.35
50.0 Enjoy compensatory holiday 1.17
51.0 Get extra pay for extra hour working 4.00
52.0 The extra pay equal to the double of your normal pay. 2.01
53.0 Get interval for rest or meal 4.00
54.0 Get annual leave with pay 1.62
55.0 Enjoy sick leave (14 days a year) 4.00
Findings:
The result shows that the workers of garments enjoy holiday properly (2.35), but they enjoy
compensatory holiday (1.17).
The result also shows the garments workers get extra pay for extra work but the extra pays are hardly
equal to the double amount of normal pay for them. Workers get interval for rest or meal properly and
in time (4.0). Only a least number of workers get annual leave with pay (1.62). The result shows that
garments worker certainly enjoy the annual sick leave (4.00).
The working hours, leaves and holidays provisions indicate a totally different picture as noticed
before. The overall rating in this area is satisfactory.
P a g e |51
Figure 8: Meet Labor Law application regarding Working Hour, Leave and Holiday.
The above graphical presentation shows that around 37% availed the facilities, 30% can get the
facilities sometimes and 33% not including the facilities above provision in an adequate manner of
garments.
4.10 Testing of Hypotheses

The hypothesis in this study is that, there is an ineffective Implementation of Labor Law practices in
the RMG sector of Bangladesh.
Ho:Labor Law practices in the RMG sector of Bangladesh are ineffectively implicated.
H1:Labor Law practices in the RMG sector of Bangladesh are effectively implicated.
Chi- square test:

We found scale score based on 40 populations. They have put value based on real condition of their
own company. So, these populations scale value are as follows:
Test, whether the proper labor law is implicated or not.
Applying test:
So, = = 5.71
P a g e |52
For, v = (9-1) =8, 0.05 = 15.5
The calculated value of is less than the table value.
Since we know that, while applying the test, the null hypothesis is that the two attributes are
independent. If the calculated value of is less than the table value at a specified level of
significance, the null hypothesis holds true. If the calculated value of is greater than the table value,
the null hypothesis is rejected.
Here the calculated value of at 5% level of significance is less than the table value. The null
hypothesis is accepted. Hence, the labor law is ineffectively implicated in RMG sector of Bangladesh.
The result show the picture of 02 selected sampled garments in Dhaka Division.
P a g e |53
CHAPTER 5
Summary of the Findings
5.1 Summary
The study of the Implementation of Labor Law in RGM sector of Bangladesh shows that in some
cases the existing law is effectively implicated and in some of the cases there is a substantial lack of
application of the laws in the work place.
Here we see that service rule is sufficient almost every factory. The result shows that maximum
garments have their organizational service rule and policy and also every workers have received
appointment letter during joining. Most of the garments provides service book and contain register
book but not proper way. Every worker have identity card along with their picture. This is very good
rate. But payment during unavailable leave is very poor.
Most of the workers have fairlyidea about maternity benefit and 88% women worker got maternity benefit in
cash or in cheque. Usually most of companies are trying to avoid these facilities and they do not provide any
benefit for it. From our study we see that most of the women worker received maternity benefit with
leave from the employer.
In case of wage and overtime payment provision the result shows that most of the workers have received their
wage in due time but most of the workers have no idea about existing law of payment of wages and also have
no idea about the actual rate of overtime payment. Most of them get their overtime payment in due time but it is
not equal to the provision of extra allowance for over time provided in Section-108.
The result shows that most of garments under our study have the provision of compensation by
accident and the respondents say that most of them are received the compensation.
In case of provident fund provision the result shows that most of the garments have provident fund
provision but on an average number of workers have well understanding for it. But the law says
different things. It is mandatory for all garments. Big garments are aware of it. But small and mid-
level garments do not have any provident fund provision.
P a g e |54
From the response about health and hygiene provision the results provides that the dirt and refuge
moved daily from the floors, benches in the workroom, staircases and passes daily is maintained
properly and the floors are regularly cleaned once in a week. However, the inside walls, partitions etc.
are kept cleaned every garments. The results indicate that the fresh air circulation arrangement isnot
good enough at the work place in most of the garments. And the temperature is comfortable for the
worker. The respondents feel that free movement in the work place is up to the legal standard.
Study found that lighting condition is at the average level. The measures for protection from glare and
shadow of artificial lighting is somewhat above the average standard. The results show that the proper
arrangement for drinking water is up to the legal standard. ‘Drinking water’ is marked but a very poor
condition of the facility for keeping drinking water cool in summer is observed by the workers of the
study. The results also show that the number of latrines and urinals at the work place are not sufficient
but the latrines and urinals are kept cleaned regularly in most of the garments. And separate
washrooms for male and female workers are perceived to be adequate. Study identified a very well
placement of the spittoons at the proper places and their regular cleaning.
From the above discussions it is very clear that health and hygiene applications of the labor law act in
the garments is on an average standard.
The results show an adequate number of fire exits at the work place. The fire exits are properly
marked in red color. However, the respondents feel that there is an adequate arrangement of fire
alarming in the garments and the firefighting equipment are adequate in numbers but the workers are
poorly trained in handling firefighting equipment.
The safety and security provisions are well implicated and the study results also show that only the
adult-trained person work with machinery in motion in garments. But sometimes the young persons
are engaged in the dangerous machines. Moreover, the garments hardly provide certificates to young
people regarding fitness for working in the garments. Law provides that no person in the garments
should be allowed to lift, carry or move any load so heavy as to be likely to cause him injury. Most of
the garments arenot properly maintained this law. The results show that workers are not allowed to
take excessive weigh.
It is very clear that training and awareness development is least emphasized in garments sector in
Bangladesh.
P a g e |55
In case of welfare provision, the results show that first aid boxes are available at the easily accessible
position of the work place. The policy of ‘one first aid box for 150 workers is maintained. There is a
dispensary room in some of the garments but its condition is on average. In Section 90 and 90A
provides in every establishment factory wherein more than 25 workers are employed, shall maintained
compulsory, in the manner prescribed by rule, a safety record book and safety information board and
where in any factory, 50 or more workers are employed, there shall be a Safety Committee formed and
functioned in the manner prescribed by Rule. But results show that these provisions are not fully
maintained in garments properly. The results also show that the canteen facilities are not adequate for
the worker. The rest room in garments and also the childcare facility for the female workers is found to
be bellow standard. The application of welfare provisions gives an overall gloomy picture at the
garment sector of Bangladesh. Most of the provisions are perceived by the respondents are found on
an average.
The working hours, leaves and holidays provisions indicate a totally different picture as noticed
before. The result about working hours, leave and holiday provision shows that the workers of
garments enjoy holiday properly, but they hardly enjoy compensatory holiday. The result also shows
the garments workers get extra pay for extra work but the extra pays are hardly equal to the double
amount of normal pay for them. Workers get interval for rest or meal properly and in time. Only a
least number of workers get annual leave with pay. The result shows that garments worker enjoy the
annual sick leave.
Finally the overall response of the workers regarding the authority’s proper maintenance of the
application of law relating to garments at work place is found to be satisfactory standard in most of the
cases. Hence it can be concluded that the management at the workplace properly maintain overall
application of labor laws in the garments sector in Bangladesh.
CHAPTER 06
P a g e |56
Conclusion
The study looked into the overall conditions of the garments worker and overviewed the Bangladesh
Labor Law, 2006. Workers were interviewed through a set of a structured questionnaire. A total of 40
workers were selected from 02 garments were interviewed. The workers were selected randomly of
the selected garments.
The study of the application of the Labor Law Act 2006 in the garments sector of Bangladesh shows
that some provisions such as Health and Hygiene, Safety and Security are fairly apply in the work
place in garments. But some provisions such as Service policy, Maternity benefit, Wage, Injury by
accident, provident fund are not properly implement in the work place in garments.
The study looked into the present working conditions and labor law Implementation in the garments
industries of Bangladesh. In future a number of changes have taken place. These includes among
others, globalization of the economy, market diversification of the garments products, NGO initiatives,
BGMEA initiatives and social labeling of imports in the north. All these changes may have affected
the conditions of the garments workers.
Much of the working conditions would improve if the Labor Law reform was approved and enforced.
The change include: appointment letter to be made compulsory, weekly holiday, maternity leave with
benefit to be provided for two surviving children; workers need to give 60 days’ notice to leave job;
working hours for women will be from 6 am to 10 pm; provision for one day weekly leave; equal
wage to be men and women for equal work; welfare provision should be maintained strictly: group of
establishment at the same location could from one union; unions could not be affiliate with political
parties; one trade unions to provide training on labor laws. This provision would certainly help
improve the working conditions of the RMG sectors if they are properly enforced and this will ensures
the effective labor law Implementation in the RMG sectors of Bangladesh.
The international textile business is tremendously competitive. In the context of growing competition
among RMG exporting countries and consumer preference for products that meet internationally
recognized standards, it is essential for Bangladesh’s RMG suppliers to improve compliance in their
factories. RMG authorities in Bangladesh should implement effective policies on housekeeping,
Material storage and handling, work station design, fair wage, fair disciplinary action, and workplace
P a g e |57
violence. RMG is, however, the most flourishing sector in Bangladesh and it would be imperative that
each and every issue related to improvement of productivity as well as quality is strictly followed to
survive in the global market.
Owners of RMG factories must emphasize on employment conditions, working conditions and
occupational safety and health management to be more competitive in the international trade of textile
and clothing business era. Moreover, regular practice of compliance codes of conduct can bring higher
price of products, lower labor unrest, less worker turnover rate, highest worker morality, highest
productivity and product quality, smooth industrial relation as well as global image and reputation. So,
Bangladesh RMG firms need to deal with above mentioned compliance issues strictly in order to
remain competitive in the global market.
International pressure is growing against the government of Bangladesh, apparel brands and factory
owners in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s garments sector may not be able to withstand another tragedy on
the scale of Tazreen and Rana Plaza. The surest way to guarantee the success of the apparel industry is
to avoid another disaster by promoting and protecting labor rights now, while the world’s attention is
on Bangladesh. The present opportunity to improve working conditions in Bangladesh cannot be
squandered.
CHAPTER 7
RECOMMENDATION
7.1 Some policy Recommendations
P a g e |58
(A) It is recommended that a tripartite committee to should be exist in all garments factories with
representation from workers, entrepreneurs and the government to formulate labor laws that may be
suitably implementation of the laws.
(B) Now BGMEA concentrating for the well-being of the workers: health insurance for the workers,
education for the workers, medical facilities, child care facilities and education for under age children.
It can also arrange training of the workers which will increase the productivity of new workers.
(C) They should think about the education facilities for their workers offspring because they are also
the future of our country. And it is the social responsibilities of the owners to educate people.
(D) The employers should provide nutritious tiffin during the tea break. It will increase the
productivity of the workers. Here incentives from government on such initiative will encourage the
factory owners.
(E) RMG factories should ensure proper production and official layout with perfect place materials,
tools. Factory inspectors must have to be more active in these issues.
(F) To be competitive, industries should comply with international standard code, such as ISO or
imported countries standard code.
(G) Factories should have effective fire distinguisher and separate and adequate space for entrance and
exit of the workers. All factories must have to design an intense fire fighting drill program.
(H) RMG industries should ensure health, safety and standard work environment for the employees. In
this case, organizations should provide proper ventilation, sufficient light and air.
(I) Garments factory owners are trying to use fire rated doors or fire resistance door in their factories.
Here government and customs must have to take the initiative to speed up the import processes of
those doors.
(J) Very Fewfactory owners didn't follow the building code properly and government should keep eye
on those establishments which they think create potential risk for the workers.
(K) A trained and knowledgeable group of factory inspectors have to be introduced.
Findings from my study generally suggest that the conditions of the garments workers are not as
precarious as often portrayed in newspaper or any other articles or papers. Some of the labor markets
P a g e |59
characteristics were outcomes of current practices in product market and were possible appropriate
measures need to be taken. In the case of work and social environment pertaining to the garments
workers, a number of problem areas have been identified and recommendations have been suggested
to solve these problems.
P a g e |60

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BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (BIM)

Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management

Term Paper Report

<Name of the Supervisor>

Subject: Request to accept the Report

<Name of the Participant>

<Name of the Participant>

<Name of the Participant>

Sl. No. Contents Pages

01 Chapter 01: Introduction 01-08

1.2 Importance of the study 03

1.3.1 Major Objective 04

1.4 Key Variables 05

1.6 Limitations of the study 06

1.7.3 Data collection tools and Techniques 07

02 Chapter 02: Literature Review and Theoretical Orientation 09-21

2.2 Theoretical Framework 16

3.2 Company Profile of Starlet Apparles Ltd. 26

4.1 Service Rule and Service Policy provisions 30

4.3 Wage Provisions 34

4.7 Safety and Security Provision 42

4.9 Working Hours, Leaves and Holidays Provisions 46

05 Chapter 05: Summary of the Findings 50-52

06 Chapter 06: Conclusion 53-54

7.1 Some policy Recommendations 55

Sl. No. Table Pages

Sl. No. Graphs Pages

1.2 Importance of the study

1.3 Objectives of the study

1.3.2 Specific objectives:

1.4 Key Variables

1.5 Scope of the Study

1.6 Limitations of the Study

1.7 Methodology of the Study

1.7.2 Source of Data:

1.7.3 Data Collection Tools and Techniques:

1.7.4 Study Area:

2.1 Literature Review

BGMEA/BKMEA has set up compliance monitoring cells to oversee maintenance of compliance

Ameena Chowdhury and Hanna Denecke(2007); aComparative Analysis betweenthe Bangladesh

ProkaushaliSangsad Limited (2007); Identification of Eco-Efficiency Measures for the

Muhammad ZiaulhaqMamun, Professor, Institute of Business Administration, University of

1. Salma ChaudhuriZohir&Pratima Paul-Majumder (1996); Garment Worker in Bangladesh,

2.2 Theoretical Framework

Brief organizational profile of those selected 02 garments as below:

3.1Company Profile of Asrotex Group

Membership & Certifications

Our Production Line

Garments Manufacturing Division

Organogram of Asrotex Group

3.2Company Profile of Starlet Apparles Ltd.

Starlet Apparles Ltd.

Vision & Mission

Certificates & Standard:

Per day production Capacity Present

Other Related Information