Question

Based on what was reported in the article regarding the collapse of the Rana plaza, what can one conclude regarding the safety record in Bangladesh manufacturing industries and possible? Do Western companies that import garments from Bangladesh bear any responsibility for what happened at the Rana Plaza and other workplace accidents?

Answer 1

The one thing that can easily be concluded is that the safety record in Bangladesh manufacturing industries has been dismal. The manufacturing industries in Bangladesh have flourished because of the low cost advantage that it offers to the companies that outsource their manufacturing here. However the low cost is achieved by ignoring safety issues that concerns the workers. Workers in factories of Bangladesh are made to work in conditions that are not at all safe and are sub-par compared to the conditions at factories in developed countries. To ensure that costs are low factories in Bangladesh ignores worker’s safety and their rights.

Yes, Western companies that import garments from Bangladesh do bear a responsibility for what happened at the Rana Plaza. They are also responsible for other workplace accidents that take place in Bangladesh. The Western companies are in way principals and the factories in Bangladesh are making garments for the brands owned by Western companies, as agents. As such there is a responsibility on the Western companies to ensure the safety of the workers. Western companies, when outsourcing work, should provide in the contract specific terms and conditions that factories in Bangladesh have to adhere to so that the interests and safety of the workers are not compromised.