1. – Liverpool Business School, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
| Received
13-Mar-2026 |
Accepted
22-Mar-2026 |
Published
23-Apr-2026 |
Abstract
This article is based on a critical review of the published literature on social sustainability in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The RMG sector in Bangladesh is important not only to Bangladesh but also to the global economy. The RMG sector of Bangladesh not only supports the livelihoods of nearly 4.2 million people, comprising nearly 60 per cent of the female population, but also contributes nearly 11 per cent of the total national GDP and accounts for nearly 85 per cent of Bangladesh’s total foreign earnings. Despite the importance of the RMG sector, Bangladesh’s RMG has a reputation for producing low-cost garments, which is probably one of the main reasons why it is a favoured outsourcing destination. However, despite these strengths, the RMG sector of Bangladesh has been exposed due to poor working conditions, exploitation of the labourers, poor health benefits, and high gender inequality, despite women being the dominant workforce. These factors contribute to poor social performance, raising serious questions about the social sustainability of the RMG sector. In this article, the author critically engages with recent publications from reputable outlets, classifies the social sustainable supply chain literature using organisational theories, and offers rich directions for academics, managers, and policymakers in the RMG sector.
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