Brands must share responsibility, say RMG entrepreneurs
Sheikh Shuchita Jahan Sneha, representative of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) noted that Bangladeshi suppliers have the quality and capacity but often lack a united voice, which weakens their bargaining position.
Suppliers in Bangladesh's garment sector have called for greater accountability from international brands to ensure fair and responsible contracts, warning that workers and factories continue to suffer under one-sided agreements.
At a workshop on Responsible Business Contracting, organised by the Fair Wear Foundation, a Netherlands-based organisation, at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, apparel entrepreneurs also acknowledged their limited negotiating capacity with brands, which has forced them into losses, and emphasised the need for a united voice.
"While partnerships should be equal, suppliers frequently run into losses due to limited negotiation power and brands' unwillingness to commit to responsible contracting," Imran Turjo, director of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said.
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Sheikh Shuchita Jahan Sneha, representative of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) noted that Bangladeshi suppliers have the quality and capacity but often lack a united voice, which weakens their bargaining position.
Joarder Mohammed Hosne Quamar Alam, director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) opined that business associations often negotiate with brands at the initial level, but "brands should come forward and hold the conversation directly with associations first before pushing it down to suppliers."
Sheikh Shuchita, however, mentioned that both BGMEA and BKMEA have a responsible business Hub ready to support suppliers to build their awareness on responsible contracting, implementing Human Rights Due Diligence.
Bablur Rahman, Fair Wear Foundation's Bangladesh country manager, highlighted the urgent need for shared responsibility between brands and suppliers.
"Without fair pricing and balanced contracts, the costs of compliance and sustainability are unfairly pushed onto suppliers and, ultimately, workers," said Femke Blickman, Strategic Lead at Fair Wear.
She emphasised that only through collaboration between brands, suppliers, and associations can create lasting solutions that protect workers' rights and strengthen supplier resilience.
The event brought together senior representatives from 20 factories alongside business associations BGMEA and BKMEA, as well as Fair Wear's international leadership.
