A discussion meeting was held between Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies-BILS and brands/buyers on 29 April 2025 at Lake Castle Hotel in Dhaka for sharing the research/review findings on Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) and promoting HRDD mechanism in the supply chain. This was organized by BILS under the project titled “Effective Social Dialogue for Decent Work in the RMG Industry in Bangladesh” supported by Mondiaal FNV.

The meeting was chaired by BILS Advisory Council Member Naimul Ahsan Jewel, and moderated by BILS Director Nazma Yesmin. Among others, Mohsena Akter from C&A, Prodip Gabriel from H& M and Md. Arafat Kabir from ITX Trading were present as discussants on behalf of brands/buyers, while Assistant Professor of Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University Aurongajeb Akond presented the research/review findings for the discussion.

The discussants among the brands mentioned that a mapping of action plan is set by the brands, where areas are focused for addressing some issues like country risk and livelihood factors, while tools are used to analyse and address the issues. They said that some indicators like wages, gender and other relevant issues have been set for monitoring the action plan and it is being followed carefully in terms of development.

For core labour standard, enforcement is encouraged, while Freedom of Association is needed to be revised for the ease of the workers, they underscored. In case of HRDD, industry based functionality and responsibilities are needed to be defined and fine tuning is necessary in this area, they mentioned. They suggested that instead of relying solely on the brands/buyers, the mind-set and responsibilities of producers and suppliers need to be increased. They also mentioned that in case of complain mechanism, brands respond to the individual complain and no network for complain is exist in this case. The representatives of brands/buyers mentioned that collaboration with Trade Union is encouraged in case of protection of rights and facilitation of dialogue.

This is to be mentioned that as part of this project, Promoting Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) processes in the RMG sector is a key component to ensure the due diligence process in the supply chain. It aims to uphold workers’ rights to social protection, a GBV-free workplace, full and productive employment, and the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Under this project, BILS has been initiating different activities mainly conducting a series of researches, policy advocacy with the government, capacity development of trade unions and organizing social dialogue for ensuring decent work in RMG sector in Bangladesh.