Thursday, 27 June 2024, Dhaka, Bangladesh – Mapped in Bangladesh (MiB) and BRAC University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) successfully convened a pivotal Round Table Discussion titled “Unlocking the Future: Open Data Ecosystem for Transforming Challenges into Opportunities in the Bangladesh RMG Industry”.
The gathering at Sheraton Dhaka included visionary leaders, industry experts, and stakeholders who explored the potential of open data. They discussed key challenges such as the lack of standardized reporting, compliance fatigue from repetitive data reporting, reputational risks tied to increased transparency, strategic data release for key stakeholders, technical expertise gaps, sustainability of open data platforms, along with language barriers affecting rights-based organizations (RBOs).
During her opening speech, Ms Afshana Choudhury, MiB’s Lead Operations Officer and Joint Director of CED, emphasized the collaborative effort required to build a sustainable and resilient future for Bangladesh’s RMG industry.
The conversation was steered by Mr Md Golam Kibria, who facilitated discussions on leveraging open data for innovation and sustainability in the industry. Participants shared valuable insights and strategies aimed at overcoming current hurdles and instigating positive change.
Distinguished stakeholders from various sectors, including the apparel industry, trade bodies, research institutions, academia, worker associations, rights-based organizations, brands/buyers, and civil society organizations, attended the discussion. They enriched the program through active participation and by sharing invaluable insights on a range of topics.
Mr Kibria synthesized stakeholders’ insights and stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges within the RMG industry.
In his closing remarks, Professor Matin Abdullah (Professor, Dept of CSE; Adviser, CED; Technical Lead, MiB at BRAC University) expressed optimism for innovative solutions and sustainable practices through collective efforts in leveraging open data.
The event concluded with participants renewing their commitment to advancing the open data agenda.
