Although there has been an increase in exports and various facilities in the readymade garment sector amid the internal and external crisis, the wages of workers in this sector remain low in Bangladesh compared to competing countries.
Wages of RMG sector workers in India, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Pakistan are higher than in Bangladesh.
Not only this, this top foreign exchange earning sector is paying lower wages than some of the important industries in the country.
Barring a short period, Bangladesh is the second top RMG exporter in the world.
There has been growth in business in the apparel sector despite the Tajreen Fashion fire, Rana Plaza building collapse and the coronavirus-induced impact.
In the last decade, between 2013 and 2022, RMG exports have increased by 130 percent.
Due to increase in export of RMG, government facilities have also increased in this area.
While other industries have to pay up to 45 percent corporate tax, the RMG sector has to pay only 10-12 percent tax.
In addition, there are cash incentives, VAT exemption and low interest loan facility from the Export Development Fund (EDF) and facilities for duty free import of raw materials.