A new report from the University of Nottingham’s Rights Lab and GoodWeave International highlights the risk of modern slavery and child labor in Bangladesh’s garment supply chains and provides concrete recommendations to industry stakeholders to advance worker and child protection in the sector.
Over four million people, mostly women, are employed in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which exports 80% of its output to the US and Europe.
Although there has been progress after the Rana Plaza catastrophe in 2013 in improving conditions in Bangladeshi RMG export factories, little is known about worker exploitation in the RMG supply chain’s secret, subcontracted tiers connected to international export.
The Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham and GoodWeave International were funded by the UK government’s UK International Development to document the risk of child labor and modern slavery in the RMG sector.
In 20 industrial clusters in Dhaka and Chattogram, the nation’s major centers for RMG manufacturing, the research study gathered information from surveys and focus groups with more than 2,000 adult and minor workers. The survey found that among other dangers, poor salaries at exporting and subcontracted worksites, dangerous labor for young workers, and exploitative workplace practices were present.
Key findings are documented in the new report, titled ‘Modern slavery and child labor in Bangladesh’s garment sector: documenting risks and informing solutions’, include:
- Child labor is present in RMG export supply chains in Bangladesh, especially via subcontracted factories. 100% of the minors interviewed during the study were illegally employed as child laborers in RMG factories.
- Thirty-two percent of adult RMG workers surveyed are being paid below minimum wage, and 7% of respondents’ income leaves them living below the international poverty line.
- Almost a third of factory-based workers report working more than ten hours per day, six days per week, which exceeds the maximum limit for regular and overtime hours set by international and Bangladeshi law and is an indicator of forced labor.
- While more women than men work in the RMG sector, they earn on average 2,000 BDT (18 USD) less per month than their male counterparts.
- Fifty-six percent of factory workers surveyed have experienced threats or abuse at their current job – 68% of adult workers and 90% of minors who reported abuse were female.
The report offers specific suggestions for the Bangladeshi government, foreign purchasers, domestic clothing suppliers, non-governmental organizations, and trade unions to enhance supply chain transparency, carry out risk-based human rights due diligence, fairly compensate employees, prevent child and forced labor, and set up efficient grievance procedures.
Zoe Trodd, Director of The Rights Lab, said: “Our extensive research on modern slavery in supply chains shows that manufacturing is one of the high-risk industries for forced labor. We are pleased to work with GoodWeave and Bangladesh Labor Foundation on this new research to understand the scale and nature of exploitation in garment production and identify the critical areas where change can help to ensure decent work conditions.”
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Jon Jacoby, CEO at GoodWeave International, said: “This report by GoodWeave and The Rights Lab highlights persistent risks of exploitation in the hidden tiers of Bangladesh’s garment supply chain while proposing systemic and scaled solutions. By joining forces for more effective due diligence, brands, suppliers, governments, trade unions, and civil society can protect the rights and dignity of vulnerable workers and children while supporting the sustainable growth of this crucial industry for Bangladesh. Let’s roll up sleeves and take the high road – together.”
The Rights Lab and GoodWeave will host a series of events following the launch of the report to disseminate findings and catalyze action. The first event will be a virtual side session on February 10, during the 2025 OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector, an annual global industry conference on responsible business conduct in this major industry. Registration is open through this link.
