Effective policy and its timely implementation are crucial for the garment sector in Bangladesh to tap the potential that exporters, the government and international organisations often discuss.
"We need smart policies and their smart implementation. Besides, the labour law has to be implemented honestly to ensure the factories are safer and worker rights are respected,” said Prof Mustafizur Rahman, executive director of Centre for Policy Dialogue.
Both KM Rezaul Hasanat, chairman of Viyellatex Group, and MA Jabbar, managing director of DBL Group, said the government has taken a lot of initiatives following the twin tragedies -- Rana Plaza building collapse and the Tazreen Fashions fire.
"But our expectations are higher than what the government is doing," said Hasanat, a leading exporter in Bangladesh.
Jabbar, another leading exporter, said there are policies and initiatives in place, but implementation is slow. “It should pick up.”
They were speaking at a panel discussion on 'Sustainable Development of Apparel Export: Priorities and Way Forward' at the Westin Dhaka yesterday.
HSBC Bangladesh organised the seminar where business leaders, exporters, experts and economists discussed the potential and challenges faced by the apparel sector.
