Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure Human Rights and Environmental Protection (HREDD) in the garment industry of Bangladesh, enhance compliance capacity and improve the living standards of workers. Through this MoU, ActionAid Bangladesh will work as a strategic partner in implementing BGMEA’s ‘Sustainable Strategic Vision 2030’, a press release said.
Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan on behalf of BGMEA and Country Director Farah Kabir on behalf of ActionAid Bangladesh signed the MoU today (Tuesday) at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara.
The MoU signing ceremony was also attended by BGMEA Vice President Md. Rezwan Selim, Director Nafis-ud-Daulah, Director Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz, Director Rumana Rashid and senior officials of ActionAid Bangladesh.
The key areas of cooperation under the MoU are:
Developing women leaders in factories and ensuring a respectful working environment for all.
Creating a workplace free from harassment and discrimination and making workers aware of their rights.
Reducing carbon emissions, encouraging the use of energy-efficient technologies and green industrialization.
Ensuring occupational health of workers, taking care of mental health and helping them access social security schemes.
Improving the work efficiency of workers and introducing special monitoring tools and training in factories according to international standards (such as EUCSDD).
Increasing coordination between owners, workers and buyers and maintaining transparency in work through regular reviews.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, BGMEA Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan said, “The garment industry in Bangladesh is no longer just a manufacturing hub, but a trusted partner in sustainable and ethical business. Through this partnership, we want to further strengthen human rights and environmental standards in our factories. This joint initiative with ActionAid will not only ensure the safety of our workers, but also take Bangladesh’s pride and capability to a new level in the international market.
Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, said, “We believe that the real prosperity of this industry is possible only by ensuring the safety of workers and environmentally sustainable development. Together with all stakeholders, we want to create an ecosystem where transparency and human rights are the main priorities.”
It is worth noting that according to this five-year MoU from January 2026 to December 2030, ActionAid Bangladesh will provide financial support for these activities and BGMEA will ensure infrastructure and logistical support to its member factories.
