http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/109 2026-08-14T23:04:59Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4886 A Study on Labour Rights for Women in Readymade Garment Industries of Bangladesh Razzaque, Naimul The RMG sector in Bangladesh is a critical contributor to the national economy; it represents about 11% of the country‘s GDP and encompasses about 84% of the revenues from exports. This industry employs approximately four million workers, out of which 60-65% are women. Though these women drive this success story, they are burdened with innumerable challenges regarding labour rights, including wage disparity, unsafe working conditions, and GBV. This research assesses the labour rights of women workers in Bangladesh's RMG sector, specifically their working conditions, wages, safety, and access to legal protection. In this study, the labour rights problems faced by women in the RMG sector were investigated using mixed-methods research, in which both quantitative and qualitative techniques were combined to give a comprehensive view. Conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, data from a total of 375 female workers were collected using structured questionnaires, which gathered information on working conditions, wages, safety, and job satisfaction across five RMG factories in Savar and Gazipur, two major industrial hubs in Bangladesh. Qualitative insights complemented the quantitative data obtained from 20 in-depth interviews and 4 FGDs with key stakeholders such as female workers, factory managers, union representatives, and labour rights activists. The integration of these methods allowed the study to capture not only the statistical trends but also the personal experiences of the workers, better understanding the challenges they face. The study is intended to unravel the nexus between economic empowerment and labour rights, as well as identify the impediments facing women workers in realizing their full labour rights in the workplace. One of the key findings from this study reveals that there is still a persistent gender pay gap issue in the RMG sector. While women comprise the majority of the workforce, 78% of female workers receive wages below a living wage. Further, there is a 20% gender pay gap at the managerial level of employment, where men have higher-paying jobs in management, while women hold lower-paid manual labour positions like sewing machine operator and helper. The existing wage gaps prove there is discrimination against women, who get paid less for the same work than men. Another urgent issue is workplace safety. In spite of the regulations concerning fire drills and the implementation of other safety measures, 65% of the probed factories did not hold fire drills as legally demanded, leaving workers vi particularly vulnerable in case of an emergency. Secondly, 85% of women workers reported feeling unsafe in their workplace due to poor safety features such as bad fire exits, poor ventilation, and an absence of protection gear. These conditions have continued to raise great concern, especially following the devastating fall of Rana Plaza in 2013, exposing failures in the safety legislation in this industry. Union representation is weak, with only 5% of workers unionized, and fewer than 10% of the leadership positions are held by women. The consequence of such underrepresentation greatly reduces the extent to which female workers are able to assert their rights for better wages, improved safety conditions, and freedom from discrimination. The study found that significant cultural and institutional barriers exist for women joining unions, with many fearing retaliations by factory management or dismissal from their jobs. The RMG sector is filled with various cases of gender-based violence. In the study, it was reported that 90% of the female workers had faced some kind of harassment, which included verbal, physical, or sexual harassment. However, the same percentage, 82%, never received a solution because of the weak grievance mechanisms and fear of retaliation. The inefficiency in policies and mechanisms for addressing harassment issues in workplaces has led to the persistence of such violations, making the environment inappropriate and insecure for females. Although the Bangladesh Labour Act guarantees maternity benefits, many of the women workers are not receiving any such benefits despite legal protections granted within the amended version of 2006, revised in 2018. The study revealed large numbers of women either being refused maternity leave or forced into resignation during pregnancy, which leaves many workers bereft of income and job security during this very critical period. On top of this, the absence of childcare facilities at the workplace exacerbates women's challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities. It also investigated the awareness of labour rights among women workers. Most women had very little knowledge of their rights as stated in the national laws on labour and international conventions. Some workers had general information about their rights, though a significant proportion did not have substantial details about certain provisions, such as about wages, hours of work, and even maternity leave. Indeed, this lack of awareness is what further exacerbates their inability to claim these rights and access legal remedies when violations occur. The study has put forward a number of recommendations to enhance the labour rights for women workers in Bangladesh's RMG sector: The government should develop more vii comprehensive strategies for enforcement of existing labour legislation, including wages, workplace safety, and gender-based violence. Implementation of the Bangladesh Labour Act should go hand in hand with accountability for non-compliance at factories. Effective implementation needs to be matched with strengthening regular inspections through the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, in order to ensure that not only are safety standards upheld, but workers' rights are better protected as well. The study advocates for gender-sensitive workplace policies regarding paid menstrual leaves, maternity benefits, and increasing childcare support. It would make work more accommodating and help women balance work and family responsibilities. Affordable childcare and paid menstrual leaves would reduce the stigma associated with reproductive health and enable women to be more active participants in the workforce. Improvement in labor rights therefore requires increased women's participation in unions and their leadership. The study suggests that the unions actively involve women, conduct labor rights training, and union leadership training. This would equip the female workers with the capacity to advance their rights. The research study requires safety measures to be put in place, including compulsory fire drills and adequate emergency exits. Training workers on safety procedures and enforcing minimum standards of safety in factories will reduce the frequency of accidents and promote a more favorable working environment. The government should allocate adequate resources to increase factory inspections and prosecute non-complying industries. There is an urgent need to spread awareness on labour rights among the women workers. The NGOs, trade unions, and civil society organizations should actively inform the workers about their rights under the Bangladesh Labour Act and international conventions and enable them to seek justice when necessary. The international buyers must take increasing responsibility for ensuring that their suppliers in Bangladesh maintain ethical standards in labor practices. Imposing strict codes of conduct can be useful for global brands in making factories follow labor laws regarding gender equality, safety, and fair wages. This needs cooperation with local stakeholders for long-term improvement in the industry. This research evidences the critical role that women workers play in Bangladesh's RMG sector and points out a range of barriers to securing their labour rights. While the sector has opened economic opportunities for women, these gains are being eroded by systemic exploitation, poor working conditions, and weak enforcement of labour laws. For truly sustainable and inclusive growth, strong labour regulations with viii strict enforcement, better safety standards, union leadership by women, and gender equity at workplaces will have to be ensured in the Bangladesh RMG sector. By taking on these challenges, the industry will engender a more just and equitable environment for the millions of women who contribute to its success. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy. 2026-08-09T00:00:00Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4885 Livelihood Strategy and Vulnerability of Brass and Bell Metal Artisans in Bangladesh Mahmud, Hossain Brass and bell metal craftsmanship in Bangladesh is a living tradition reflecting the region’s deep cultural and historical heritage. Metallurgical practices in Bengal date back to the Chalcolithic Age (c. 1500 BC), with widespread use of iron emerging around 1000 BC. Copper, its alloys, and iron were the most important materials to be employed in metal work, with silver and gold being utilized on a more limited basis. This craft not only reflects the technological capabilities of the region but also embodies within itself its rich culture. The thesis examines artisans’ livelihood strategies and multidimensional vulnerabilities in three historically significant craft clusters: Islampur (Jamalpur), Kagmari (Tangail), and Dhamrai (Dhaka). The aim of the study is to examine how these artisans’ communities surmount socio-economic challenges without discarding century-long traditions, and identify key gaps between policy design and practice at the ground level that threaten the longevity of craft. A mixed-methods method employed to study collected data from 210 craftspeople (70 per site) between November 2022 and February 2023 through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation. The research objectives included the assessment of demographic profiles, livelihood strategies, assets bases, vulnerability contexts, coping xiv mechanisms, and policy effectiveness. The argument of the thesis posits that although there are progressive policies, policy implementation failures beget policy-practice gaps and thus economically marginalize artisans while they continue to be culturally cherished. The findings of the study revel the vulnerabilities: 82% reflect lack of access to capital, 95.7%-90% are men everywhere, and religious composition reflects 79.1%-61.4% Hindu participation consistent with historic patterns of patronage. Income insecurity is felt by 95.71% of Islampur artisans with psychological stress, and educational attainment ranges from 37.1% illiteracy in rural Islampur to 47.1% primary school education in peri-urban Dhamrai, reflecting geographical variation. Occupational hazards still remain untackled, 77.1% without safety equipment and only 2% undergoing safety training. Women remain significantly excluded, and their valuable contribution in polishing and finishing is yet to be recognized and appreciated. In spite of these difficulties, the producers demonstrate adaptive resilience through the development of digital interaction (18.57% application of online marketing in Dhamrai), product diversification (27.14% in Dhamrei), and skill upgradation (14.76% in Kagmari). That only 50.1% of people learn skills through family tradition shows that intergenerational transmission is under threat. Policies are suggested by the study, such as better interministerial coordination, gender-responsive training duties, digital literacy modules, clustering of crafts, facilitated access to financing (at a 5% interest rate as requested by the craftsmen), and environmental sustainability. The study can contribute to longitudinal designs for the measurement of socio-economic transitions, extend geographical scope to other centers of craft (Bogura, Chapainawabganj, Munshiganj etc.), examine women’s invisible labour inputs, and examine digital marketplace effects towards protecting traditional craftsmanship. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy. 2026-08-09T00:00:00Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4836 Prospects and Challenges of Youth Entrepreneurs: A Study of Slum Women Entrepreneurs of Dhaka City AFROZ, JANNATUL This study explores the prospects and challenges faced by slum-dwelling youth women entrepreneurs in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Conducted in selected slum areas, the research employed a qualitative approach using case studies as the primary research strategy. The participants comprised 28 youth women entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35 years, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected predominant through face to face in-depth interview with semi-structured interview schedule where open-ended questions were included. Data were also collected through case studies and non-participants observation. Data were analyzed using narrative analysis supported by verbatim quotations to gain an in-depth understanding. Findings reveal that most respondents have limited educational attainment, typically ranging from class one to class five. Socio-economically, the majority live in rented accommodations under poor conditions, lacking access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and reliable utilities such as gas and electricity. Their basic needs are only partially met. The study further uncovered that these women generally lack formal business plans, awareness of trade licenses, and knowledge about government credit schemes or entrepreneurial training programs. As a result, they are unaware of existing opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Moreover, they encounter multifaceted barriers—social, economic, political, and psychological—that significantly hinder their entrepreneurial development. Among the key social challenges identified are unemployment, gender inequality, and poverty. An investigation into available welfare programs revealed widespread dissatisfaction. Most respondents had received little or no support from governmental or non-governmental organizations, with only a few reporting limited and unsatisfactory assistance. Participants emphasized the need for proactive initiatives from families, NGOs, and the government to mitigate the challenges they face and enhance their wellbeing. The study concludes with practical recommendations aimed at addressing these issues and fostering the development of youth women entrepreneurs in the slum areas of Dhaka. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy. 2026-04-21T00:00:00Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4800 Physiological Perspective of Musculo-skeletal Disorders among Older Persons in Bangladesh Jahan, Sharmila Study Background: Globally the number of ageing populations increasing day by day and Bangladesh is no exception. The disease incidence and prevalence has been shifted as communicable to non-communicable disease due to lake of physical activities, indiscipline, uncontrolled use of drugs, using pesticides and food preservatives etc. Back pain, Neck pain, Knee pain, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, balance and coordination problems, and falling tendency are common global neuro-musculoskeletal problems in older people (Alexandra Villa-Forte, 2019). Aim and Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the physiological perspective of musculoskeletal disorders among older people in Bangladesh. The study's objectives were to explore the demographic characteristics, find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, discover the types of musculoskeletal disorders, investigate the biological, psychological and social perspective of musculoskeletal disorders and observe the quality of life of older people. Methodology: The study design was a cross-sectional survey. SP Hospitals Dhaka, all divisional centres of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP), Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Laboratory, Jashore University of Science and Technology and BRB Hospitals Ltd., Panthopath, Dhaka was the study area. The qualified graduate physiotherapist was involved in data collection from 204 participants conveniently selected with a mixed type of questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Ethical issues are appropriately maintained. Results: Regarding this study about 70% participants were male and 30% were female. About 36.9% of participants were living in a semi-rural area, and 31.6% of participants were living in an urban area. It was shown that about 82% of participants were not affected by COVID-19, and 18% were affected. Most of the participants' monthly income was less than 10,000 BDT, and that was 40.8%. Comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease were found in 46%, 22%, and 13% of the 206 people, respectively. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders found as most three common pain sites was Knee pain at 84.4%, back pain at 77.6% and neck vi pain at 41%. It established the biological perspectives of the musculoskeletal problem of each of the participants who were suffering from conditions such as degenerative bone disease, diabetes, obesity, muscle imbalance, inadequate fitness, poor health status, and so on. Degenerative bone disease was present at its highest in 98%; poor health status had the second-highest number of participants, with about 51.3% of the total, followed by muscular imbalance, with approximately 54.3% of the total. The researchers examined 206 individuals and, from the psychological perspectives of MSD, found that n = 156 participants were experiencing symptoms of depression, which is the biggest, and the anxiety group had the second greatest number of participants (n = 128 total). The social perspectives of MSD were social isolation at 76%, lack of rehabilitation services at 84%, and improper care of older people at 85% Conclusion: The study showed that most of the older persons in Bangladesh have been suffering from different musculoskeletal problems, where back pain, knee pain and neck pain are the most common. The biological perspective of musculoskeletal problems was bone degeneration and decreased bone mineral density; the psychological aspect was depression and anxiety, which controlled the mobility of the older, and the social perspectives were social isolation, the lack of rehabilitation services and improper care of older people in Bangladesh. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy. 2026-03-03T00:00:00Z