Asia Insight: 12x19

Attempted Change in the Garment Industry: Bangladesh

Bangladesh is well known as an international garment producer, with 4.2 million people employed by the industry, many working in factories to sew apparel for overseas brands. But in 2013, the nation was shocked by an accident in which the collapse of an illegally expanded building holding several factories claimed more than 1,100 lives. The incident drew worldwide criticism and caused safety regulations to be imposed. Now caught between strict regulations, rising costs and the constant demand for lower prices from overseas buyers, factory owners and their employees find it hard to earn a living.