Economic Impact of Rana Plaza Collapse

Authors: Md. Omar Bin Harun Khan

Abstract:

The collapse of the infamous Rana Plaza, a multi-storeyed commercial building in Savar, near Dhaka, Bangladesh has brought with it a plethora of positive and negative consequences. Bangladesh being a key player in the export of clothing, found itself amidst a wave of economic upheaval following this tragic incident that resulted in numerous Bangladeshis, most of whom were factory workers. This paper compares the consequences that the country’s Ready Made Garments (RMG) sector is facing now, two years into the incident. The paper presents a comparison of statistical data from study reports and brings forward perspectives from all dimensions of Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations in Bangladesh following the event. The paper brings across the viewpoint of donor organizations and donor countries, the impacts of several initiatives taken by foreign organizations like the International Labour Organization, and local entities like the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in order to reinforce compliance and stabilize the shaky foundation that the RMG sector had found itself following the collapse. Focus of the paper remains on the stance taken by the suppliers in Bangladesh, with inputs from buying houses and factories, and also on the reaction of foreign brands. The paper also focuses on the horrific physical, mental and financial implications sustained by the victims and their families, and the consequent uproar from workers in general regarding compliance with work safety and workers’ welfare conditions. The purpose is to get across both sides of the scenario: the economic impact that suppliers / factories/ sellers/ buying houses/exporters have faced in Bangladesh as a result of complete loss of reliability on them regarding working standards; and also to cover the aftershock felt on the other end of the spectrum by the importers/ buyers, particularly the foreign entities, in terms of the sudden accountability of being affiliated with non- compliant factories. The collapse of Rana Plaza has received vast international attention and strong criticism. Nevertheless, the almost immediate strengthening of labourrights and the wholesale reform undertaken on all sides of the supply chain, evidence a move of all local and foreign stakeholders towards greater compliance and taking of precautionary steps for prevention of further disasters. The tragedy that Rana Plaza embodies served as a much-needed epiphany for the soaring RMG Sector of Bangladesh. Prompt co-operation on the part of all stakeholders and regulatory bodies now show a move towards sustainable development, which further ensures safeguarding against any future irregularities and pave the way for steady economic growth.

Keywords: Economy, employment standards, Ranaplaza, RMG.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1111805

References:

[1] Vidiya Amrit Khan, “Desh Garments- A pioneer’s gift to his country” published in the Daily Star on 12th March, 2015
[2] ILO website: “Improving Working Conditions in the Ready Made Garments Industry: Progress and Achievements”, published work.
[3] Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Trade Information
[4] James Parker, “Aftermath of the Rana Plaza Tragedy- Abandoning Bangladesh altogether would be the worst possible solution” in The Diplomat, 8th May, 2013.
[5] BGMEA Website, Statistics Chart on Total Product Export and RMG Export
[6] ILO, “Towards a safer Ready Made Garment Sector for Bangladesh- Progress made and way ahead”, published work;
[7] Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, “Quarterly Aggregate Report on remediation progress at RMG factories covered by the Accord”, 25th June, 2015, published work
[8] ILO Bangladesh- “ILO Country Office for Bangladesh Newsletter, Issue No-2, July 2015”
[9] ILO Bangladesh- “Rana Plaza Two Years On- Progree made and challenges ahead for the Bangladesh RMG Sector”- April, 2015
[10] Statistics source: “Bangladesh Sustainability Compact: Technical Status Report, 24th April 2015”