HOW CAN SOCIAL COMPLIANCE BENEFIT THE GARMENT INDUSTRY? A DISCUSSION OF THE FUTURE AUDITS
Event was organized on Tuesday, 20th February, 2024 at Lakeshore Hotel, Gulshan-2, Dhaka.
The purpose of this workshop was to share the up-to-date research findings of the BASCAP project with experts, stakeholders from the RMG industries, buyers, auditors and to discuss the strategy to improve the quality and impact of social compliance audits in Bangladesh.
Opening Session: The session was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Professor Dr. Faridul Alam. Welcome remarks were presented by Professor Dr. Md Anower Hussain, Dean, faculty of Public Health, BUHS.
Keynote Presentation: Social Compliance Audits - past, present and future presented by Professor Peter Hasle, SDU, followed by a question-and-answer session. (Click here to read).
Vidiya Amrit Khan, Director, BGMEA gave a speech on how Bangladesh readymade garment industry being the most densely populated, most polluted, 2nd largest garment producer is encountering many challenges. Although there is an increase of union more than 116%, factories face audit fatigue. Each audit cost between 3-5000 dollars, some only last for a year, also paying for corrections. Spending 100.000 dollar just to show they comply all costs on factories. These lead to a high economic burden to the factories. Post COVID implications aggravated this situation. Just transitions small initiatives take place through NGOs.
Christian Brix Moller, Ambassador to the Royal Danish Embassy delivered his speech addressing Denmark is the number one importer of garment from Bangladesh per capita, As a close and trusted partner to Bangladesh, they hope to see improved social dialogues, access to trade unions, and improved inspections. He also mentioned the garment factory he visited have 300 audits per year.
Concluding Remarks by Professor Dr. Faridul Alam, Vice Chancellor of BUHS made the concluding remarks addressing audits change every year and Bangladesh needs more time to change.
There was also a Scientific session after lunch. Researcher Sarmin Sultana presented translation of social compliance audit into workplace practices. (Click here to read).
Researcher Julie Bundgaard presented worker voice in social compliance audits. (Click here to read).
European delegation to Bangladesh, Abu Syed Belal presented new European legislation on environment, social and governance (ESG) reporting and due diligence: BD biggest EBA beneficiary. (Click here to read).
Zariah Tamanna from ILO Bangladesh presented stakeholders reflection on the future of social compliance audits.
Zahangir Alam, sourcing, social and labor manager of Bestseller presented his speech from buyers' perspective.
Md Moktar Hossain, a compliance manager, presented his ideas from a supplier's perspective.
The perspective from a multi stakeholder initiative was presented by Saiful Millat.
After the discussion so many recommendations raised and challenged were discussed. Professor Dr. Peter Hasle discussed a way forward in, and Dr. Saika Nizam thanked everyone for attending the workshop.