A vast majority of home-based garment workers in Bangladesh, engaged in subcontracted production for export-oriented factories, earn an average of Tk 4,000–5,000 per month on a piece-rate basis, with rates as low as Tk 0.60 per piece, according to a  recent study.

Despite their contributions to the apparel sector, they remain largely invisible, facing inadequate workplace safety, limited access to healthcare and a lack of formal recognition.

Most work from home, often involving family members in production, while relying on middlemen who take a share of their earnings, the study found.

The study revealed that these workers are unorganised and lack bargaining power, often unaware of labour laws, wages, and working conditions.

As a result, they frequently accept unfair terms, leading to poor working conditions, long hours, and delayed payments, often mediated by middlemen.

Among the surveyed workers, 50.6 per cent had previously worked in garment factories but left for various reasons, including pregnancy, childcare responsibilities, marriage, excessive work pressure, factory closures, long working hours, workplace abuse or harassment, and automation.

The findings were presented on on February 26 at a city hotel in a report titled ‘Assessment on the Socio-economic Condition of Home-Based Ready-Made Garment Workers (HBRMGWs) in the RMG Supply Chain,’ conducted by the Bangladesh Labour Foundation with support from Oxfam and the European Union.

The study found that the vast majority—93.6 per cent—of home-based garment workers in Bangladesh are engaged on a piece-rate basis, with an average rate of Tk 5.25 per piece, ranging from as low as Tk 0.60 to Tk 30.

Their average monthly earnings range between Tk 4,000 and Tk 5,000.

‘Almost all—99 per cent—of these workers are paid in cash and have no bargaining power over wages, fearing the loss of work,’ said Mir Mohammad Ali, lead researcher and assistant professor at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, while presenting the findings.

Many workers and their families are either illiterate or have low literacy levels, with limited awareness of health, safety, and gender-related issues in the workplace.

Their vulnerability is further exacerbated by a lack of organisational skills and formal recognition, he said.

Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has yet to ratify ILO Convention 177, which addresses the rights of home-based workers.

To shed light on these pressing issues, the Bangladesh Labour Foundation conducted the study on 362 home-based garment workers engaged in subcontracted production for export-oriented apparel factories.

It found approximately 15,000 home-based readymade garment workers are concentrated in the industrial zones of Ashulia, Savar, and Gazipur.

While nationwide data remains unavailable, similar workers are likely present in Narayanganj, Chattogram, and Tangail.

The study found that 80 per cent of these workers are climate-displaced migrants, while 15.5 per cent moved for family reasons, and 7.5 per cent remain in their native areas, such as Gazipur.

Seasonal employment is common, with 55 per cent working five to six months a year, while 45 per cent work regularly, particularly in Ashulia and Gazipur.

On average, home-based garment workers put in 6.89 hours per day, with working hours ranging from a minimum of two to a maximum of 13.

They engage in 12 types of tasks, including hand stitching, tipping, stone work, linking, mending, crocheting, embroidery, lace and button work, stickers, sequin work and cutting thread.

Women dominate this workforce, making up 93 per cent of workers, most of whom are married, with over half being young adults.

The majority rely on middlemen who take a significant share of their earnings, limiting their access to fair wages.

The supply chain remains heavily reliant on subcontractors (53 per cent) and vendors (35 per cent), with factories directly managing only 18.8 per cent of work orders.

Almost all workers (93.6 per cent) are paid on a piece-rate basis, while only 6.4 per cent receive fixed monthly wages.

The study has highlighted inadequate workplace safety for home-based garment workers in Bangladesh, revealing limited access to protective equipment and first aid facilities.

The workers also face restricted healthcare access, relying mainly on pharmacies and government hospitals. Most operate from home, often involving family members in production.

At the report’s presentation, labour secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman acknowledged the crucial role of these workers and pledged the government’s commitment to securing their formal recognition.

He urged the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to ensure that subcontracting work orders go to licensed vendors to help improve wages.

He also called for collaboration between civil society organizations, development partners, and trade unions to support these workers.

Speakers stressed the need for policy interventions to safeguard home-based workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and improve working conditions in line with global labour standards.

They also urged the government to ratify ILO Convention 177 and encourage worker organisation.

The report recommended legal recognition and protection for home-based workers, an expansion of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) oversight to include subcontracting factories and home-based garment workers, and fair pricing commitments from buyers to enable suppliers to pay living wages.

Among others, Vanessa from Oxfam Australia’s Contract Management, AKM Nasim of the Labour Reform Commission and AKM Ashraf Uddin, Executive Director of Bangladesh Labour Foundation, spoke at the event.