The Workplace – based Dialogue Network (WBDN) convened a meeting on 23 March 2025, to discuss the initial findings of research titled “The implementation status of the new minimum wage structure and its impact on RMG workers in Bangladesh.’’ Under the STITCH Consortium (a coalition of the Ethical Trading Initiative, Mondiaal FNV, and Fair Wear Foundation) and the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) at BRAC University jointly conducted this research.
The primary objective of this study was to assess the implementation of the new wage structure across the industry, evaluate the challenges faced by factories, and explore the broader impact this change is having on the sector.
This session was led by Dr. Shahidur Rahman, Professor in the Department of Economics & Social Sciences at BRAC University.
The event, hosted by ETI Bangladesh in collaboration with RISE, brought together 30 participants. Among WBDN members, representatives from, ILO, Ilo-BWB, GIZ, BRAC, Amfori BSI, The Asia Foundation, Mondiaal FNV, FairWear, Solidaridad Network Asia, TDH Italia, Laudes Foundation, Shimmy Technologies attended the meeting.
Munir Uddin Shamim, Senior Manager at ETI Bangladesh, moderated the open discussion aimed at gathering recommendations to further enhance the study, which will be disseminated in the near future. Participants actively engaged in the dialogue, sharing insights and perspectives on key issues affecting the sector.
The meeting concluded with remarks from Smita Nimilita, Global Foundations Head and Bangladesh Country Lead, RISE, who recommended including mid-level management (supervisors and line chiefs) in future studies to address concerns about limited career progression opportunities for workers.
The event highlighted the need for an inclusive and transparent approach to wage governance in the RMG sector, with a focus on addressing industry-wide challenges and ensuring sustainable improvements for all stakeholders.
