Bangladesh is digitally mapping its readymade garment sector. It marks a transformative industry shift towards greater transparency. Digital RMG Factory Mapping in Bangladesh (DRFM-B) will provide real time and credible factory data to stakeholders of the industry through an interactive online platform such as Google Maps. Through this initiative, a foreign buyer can access all types of information, such as the factory database, from any corner of the world. This will comprise names, locations, types of products, worker numbers, country exports, hospitals and trade union and fire services facilities.

DRFM-B will help enhance buyers’ confidence because real time information would easily be visible through this system and accountability framework of entrepreneurs would also be ensured. Through its mapping and relationship building, DRFM-B is expected to fuel advancements in Bangladesh’s garment industry, inspire shared responsibility, responsible sourcing and collective action, and build upon pre-existing improvement efforts through informed decision-making.

The interactive web-based map consisting of different types of information about factories would help establish transparency and awareness and ultimately lead to long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the country’s readymade garment sector. The final version of the map—showcasing all 20 Bangladeshi garment-producing districts—is expected to be completed by mid-2021.