Abstract

Over the last five decades, Bangladesh, a nation in South Asia and classified as a lower-middle- income country, has exhibited noteworthy progress and advancement. The Ready-made Garment (RMG) business has driven this advancement, garnering around 85% of foreign direct investment (FDI). The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019 precipitated a worldwide economic downturn, prompting nations throughout the globe to swiftly implement lockdown measures to contain the transmission of the virus and minimize the number of fatalities. Like other countries, Bangladesh also placed lockdown measures on all institutional activities, including the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sectors. This study investigates the present circumstances encountered by the RMG industry and its substantial influence on the sustenance of a considerable population of garment laborers. This study utilizes a qualitative research approach to examine the issues encountered by the RMG industry in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, it provides recommendations to mitigate these challenges and facilitate the industry’s recovery..

Keywords:COVID-19 pandemic; RMG sector; Lockdown measures; Supply chain disruptions; Policy recommendations; Government and NGO support; Labor market shifts; Health and safety protocols; Financial assistance; Skill development