The garment industry in Bangladesh, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, has seen remarkable growth since its inception in the late 1978-80s. As the industry evolved, foreign workers played a vital role in its development, bringing the expertise and knowledge needed to build a globally competitive sector. However, recent concerns have arisen regarding the estimated 2.6 million foreign workers in Bangladesh, a figure that seems questionable and may not accurately reflect the current situation. Many of these workers are employed in the garment sector, with a significant portion working without proper documentation. This has sparked a debate about their impact on local employment opportunities and the future of the industry.
Understanding the Role of Foreign Workers
In the early days of Bangladesh’s garment industry, foreign experts were essential in teaching the skills required to establish the industry on the global stage. They provided the technical know-how and management expertise that helped local businesses thrive. Over time, as local talent grew more experienced and capable, many of these foreign positions were gradually replaced by Bangladeshi professionals. However, the transition from foreign to local expertise needs careful management to avoid disrupting the industry’s growth and stability.
Today, while there are calls to replace foreign workers with local talent, it’s important to approach this challenge thoughtfully and strategically. Rash decisions could harm the industry more than they help. The reality is that foreign expertise is still needed in certain areas until local talent can fully meet global standards. This is a long-term process, and it requires patience, planning, and a focus on two main strategies:
1. Identifying and Regulating Illegal Workers
First and foremost, there needs to be a clear and transparent system for identifying and regulating foreign workers in Bangladesh. This includes:
- Developing a Comprehensive List of Foreign Workers: A transparent and up-to-date list should be created to track foreign workers in the country. This will help ensure that all workers are accounted for and that those working without proper documentation are addressed according to the law.
- Enforcing Existing Laws: Laws governing foreign employment should be enforced fairly, ensuring that workers without proper documentation are either regularized or asked to leave the country. However, this process must be handled with respect for human rights while prioritizing national interests.
2. Developing and Empowering Local Talent
As we work towards reducing reliance on foreign workers, it’s crucial to invest in the development of local talent. This can be achieved by:
- Investing in Education and Training: More investment is needed in education and specialized training programs to equip the local workforce with the skills and knowledge required by the industry. This includes updating curriculums at textile institutes and universities to align with modern industry standards and technologies.
- Encouraging Mentorship Programs: Experienced professionals, both local and foreign, should be encouraged to mentor and guide upcoming talent. This will help bridge the skills gap and prepare the next generation of industry leaders.
- Strengthening Communication and Negotiation Skills: While Bangladesh’s textile educational institutes produce technically sound engineers and technologists, there is a need for more training in effective communication and negotiation with buyers. Foreign nationals often excel in these areas, and local talent must be trained to match these skills to represent Bangladesh’s RMG sector effectively on the global stage.
A Call to Action for Our Workforce
For those currently employed in the industry, it is essential to recognize the impact of frequent job switching. While seeking better opportunities is natural, stability and commitment are key to personal growth and the overall health of the industry. By focusing on honing skills and contributing meaningfully to workplaces, employees can ensure long-term success and stability.
For those entering the job market or struggling to find opportunities, it’s important to continuously develop and showcase qualifications and dedication. By proving our capabilities, we can reduce reliance on foreign expertise and ensure that more positions are filled by competent local professionals.
Sharing My Perspective
These thoughts are based on my limited knowledge and personal experience in the industry. Having been closely involved with the garment sector as it grew with the help of foreign experts, I understand the value they have brought. While we cannot entirely avoid needing their assistance for learning and development, we can work towards minimizing this dependence over time through strategic planning and collective effort.
Let’s Engage in Constructive Dialogue
Let’s continue to think with our heads, not just our hearts, and work towards solutions that will truly benefit our industry and our people. It’s crucial that we approach this issue with a clear mind, carefully weighing the potential impacts of our actions on the garment industry and the broader economy.
I encourage everyone to share their thoughts and comments as we discuss these ideas with industry leaders and present them to our textile and industry students. It’s important to address the concerns of those who feel that, despite their talents, they are not being prioritized in the job market. For those of us struggling to find jobs or who feel that our opportunities are being taken by foreign workers, it’s essential that we focus on proving our qualifications and continuously improving our skills.
By coming together and engaging in constructive dialogue, we can develop effective strategies that not only safeguard local employment but also ensure that our industry remains competitive on the global stage. Let’s work collaboratively to find solutions that create more opportunities for local talent while maintaining the industry’s growth and stability.
I request industry professionals, students, and concerned citizens organization to share their thoughts and comments on this matter. Open and constructive dialogue is vital as we present these ideas to industry leaders and work together towards solutions that will benefit our industry and our people. Together, we can build a stronger and more self-reliant garment industry for Bangladesh.
Md. Salauddin
Director, Reaz Garments Ltd.
Advisor, TGMG (A Knowledge-Sharing Platform for Textiles and Garments)
