Bangladesh readymade garment sector despite of the Rana Plaza tragedy, political uncertainties, clashes and conflict is displaying continued strength which is extremely encouraging. According to the WTO report, Bangladesh has consolidated its position more than its competitors in the sector.

There is a steady continuity in the development of our readymade garment sector. The country's readymade garment exports continue to increase. In 2009 Bangladesh stood in fifth place in this sector and the very next year it jumped to number three.

The competence of the sector is proven further by the fact that is has had to progress through various adverse circumstances. It is now necessary to eliminate the problems identified in the sector. It will not be a difficult task if all concerned are sincere about it.

The president of BGMEA, the garment manufacturers and exporters association, has attributed the sector's success to the joint efforts of the entrepreneurs, the management and the workers. They would like to add that joint efforts call for attention to the most critical aspect of this sector, that is, the workers' interests and the work environment of the factories.

Now, it is for the government to ensure such circumstances are in place, though the concerned authorities do not seem to be giving much consideration to these matters.

The garment industry has come so far despite of various adverse circumstances that only makes us realise that this sector could have done even better.