Dialogue with German MP: Seeking transparency in the RMG sector
The Center for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) hosted a dialogue session on the RMG industry to present their project, “Mapped in Bangladesh” (MiB). The chief guest of the event was Boris Mijatovic (Member, German Parliament). Among others, Dr. Michael Klode (Project Manager, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), Professor Dr. Mohammad Mujibul Haque (Dean, BBS), and Professor Dr. Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury (Pro-Vice-Chancellor, BracU) were present at the discussion.
The MiB project, emerging from the need for transparency in the RMG sector after the Rana Plaza tragedy, aims to build a map of the active export-oriented factories across the country, ensuring public access to credible data about one of the largest industries in Bangladesh.
The project started in 2017. After a process of intensive data collection, cleaning and verification, the map is now open to public use.
Sadril Shajahan (Coordinator, CED) said, “Our main objective is enabling greater accountability and helping a sustainable transition for the industry.” He also discussed partnering with rights-based organisations to ensure workers’ rights.
When asked about the usage of the database to the public, Mijatovic stated, “When I look at this map as a user, I look at the 2.8 million families whose lives depend on the industry and I can take this number back to Germany and show the responsibility we have.” Moreover, he highlighted how the project is made for decision makers to take the information and meet the economic standards. He also added the need to integrate economics education into our daily lives and discussed Germany’s initiatives to tackle issues like plastic waste.
Aonkita Dey (Senior, ESS) shared her views during the open discussion, “The map is commendable, and we should work on improving and extending it beyond Bangladesh.”
Concluding on a positive note of shared enthusiasm towards sustainability, the event successfully underscored BracU’s commitment to fostering meaningful global dialogues on development and transformation.
