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Time to tell the success stories of RMG

Analysts and entrepreneurs join discussion to restore the image of the sector

Star Business Report
Garment makers should build a strong communication strategy, brand the sector and tell their success stories more effectively to restore the image dented by the recent factory disasters.
Analysts and garment entrepreneurs shared the view at a discussion organised by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association at Sonargaon Hotel in the capital yesterday.
Apart from suggesting ways to
improve labour standards, the speakers called for a bigger role of the media to showcase the achievements and potential of the sector.
It will be hard to restore the shattered image of the sector; serious work and honest intention will be required, Gerben De Jong, ambassador of the Netherlands, told the discussion organised on the eve of an apparel and textile exposition that begins in the capital tomorrow.
"One keyword is radical transparency. Cooperate with all stakeholders during the inspection for fire and build-
ing safety and do not fear the publication of the inspection data," Jongsaid.
A sector that is serious about compliance has nothing to hide, he added.
Jong also suggested building a positive labour relationship with trade unions to win their support.
"It's a common interest for the Bangladeshi trade unions and the employees to save the RMG employment. So reach out to them," he said, adding that the image of the factories could be protected much if workers speak in favour of the owners.
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The Financial Express Editor Moazzem Hossain suggested free flow of information on the sector.
"We often don't get updated data. It's unfortunate."
Bangladesh is now the second largest apparel exporter after China, earning $20 billion a year.
The industry, which employs around 35 lakh workers, has come to the spotlight after the deadly Rana Plaza building collapse and Tazreen Fashions fire.
"We should look at the recent tragedy as an opportunity," said Zafar Sobhan, editor of the DhakaTribune.
He said the media can play a vital role in helping reform the sector and projecting its successes but cannot distort the truth and hide facts.
If the industry takes wrong steps, the media will report those, Sobhan said.
Garment entrepreneurs often blame conspiracy for labour unrest or factory disasters, said Ashraf Kaiser, founder and managing director of Benchmark PR, a public relations company.
And by doing so, the garment makers only deny their responsibility, he added.
Faruque Hassan, a former vice president of the BGMEA, said the sector has played a significant role in improving the socio-economic condition of the country, mainly through empowering women.
Bangladesh is preparing to cater for high-end and branded fashion retailers, he added.
"On top of it, our entrepreneurs are now going for environment-friendly manufacturing plants. They are investing in more sophisticated technologies," he said.
" Country perception plays a big role when it comes to high-end apparel items of the value chain. So branding Bangladesh is an inevitable part."
BGMEA President Atiqul Islam called upon all stakeholders to work together to take the sector forward.
Safety standards at many factories have improved after the Rana Plaza and Tazreen incidents, said Asif Ibrahim, vice chairman of Newage Group, a garment maker.
Mamun Rashid, chairman of the audit committee at Asia Pacific General Insurance, also spoke.