The industrial sector in Bangladesh has increasingly contributed to economic growth and employment generation over time. Starting from a low base after independence, sectors like RMG, pharmaceuticals, leather, and others grew in the 1980s-1990s. More industries emerged in the 2000s across electronics, ceramics, and others. However, rapid industrialization has also caused environmental and occupational health and safety issues that the government is working to address through training and new regulations.

3.  A country's economic and social development essentially depends on the
industrial sector. A growing Industrial sector is a prerequisite for growth,
employment creation and improvement in people's livelihood.
 The contribution of this important sector to Bangladesh economy has been
increasing. The contribution of the broad industry sector to the Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) has increased from 17.31% in 1980-81 to 31.98% percent in
2013-14. The industrial sector plays a importance role for economic growth as
well as rapid employment generation.

4. In 1971, Bangladesh became independent. Afer the war, the country was left in
dire states, the industrial development was very slow. However, Ready Made
Garments (RMG) started during this period. And in this sector, Bangladesh could
lay claim to considerable success. Today garment export is the main source of
foreign exchange earnings. Its success was not influenced by government policy
but essentially by outside forces.
In the 1980s, the Pharmaceutical Sector made advancement in Bangladesh. It is
one of the most developed sector which is contributing in the country's economy.

5. During the 1980s, other sectors like tea manufacturing, leather factories etc also
gained importance.
In 1990s, sectors like ship breaking, steel, cement and cold storage goods etc
developed and gained momentum.
From 2000 to 2012, many industries started their journey successfully, and
contributed to the economic growth of Bangladesh. Among them are- electronics,
glass, aluminium, plastic, cycle, and ceramic etc. industries.
To sum up the whole thing, we can say that after 1971, Bangladesh is slowly and
steadily turning its attention to develop its economy, through industrial
development, moving away from the agricultural sector.

6. There are three categories of industries in Bangladesh ― Large Scale Industries,
Medium Scale Industries and Small & Cottage Industries.
Major industries are referred in the following---
1. Food, Beverage and Tobacco
2. Textile, Apparel and Leather
3. Wood & Wood Products
4. Paper, Paper Product, Printing & Publications
5. Chemicals and Chemical Products
6. Non-Metallic Mineral Products
7. Basic Metal Industries
8. Fabricated Metal Products
9. Other Industries & Handicrafts

7. Figure : Share of Industrial Sector in GDP Source: Ministry of Finance, 2013

8. Bangladesh offers an abundant supply of disciplined, easily trainable and low-cost
work force suitable for any labor-intensive industry. The following-
Employment Conditions
The minimum age for workers in Bangladesh is 16 years in factories. Contracts are
made in the form of a letter of offer. Workers may also be engaged on verbal
agreements.
Labour Laws
In Bangladesh 47 labour laws are now in operation. These relate to (a) wages and
employment, (b) trade union & industrial disputes, (c) working environment and
(d) labour administration and related matters.

9.  Wages and Fringe Benefits
In the public sector, wages and fringe benefits of the workers are determined by
the government on the recommendation of the National Wages Commission
established from time to time. In the private sector, the wages & fringes benefits of
the workers and employees are determined through collective bargaining process.
Leave & Holidays
Leave & holidays of the workers & employees are regulated by the Factories Act,
1965.

10.  Social Security
Workmen Compensation, Employment of Labour Act, 1965 etc. deal with
provident fund.
Labour Union
In any industrial and commercial establishment, a trade union may be formed with
30% of the total number of workers employed.
Working Hours
Workers in the public or private sector remain at their job for eight hours and a half
hours daily for meal or rest with Friday as weekly holiday. The rate of overtime is
2 hours pay for 1-hour job.

11. Occupational health and safety is a discipline with a broad scope involving many
specialized fields. It should aim at:
 The promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and
social well-being of workers in all occupations;
 The prevention among workers of adverse effects on health caused by their
working conditions;
 The protection of workers in their employment from risks resulting from factors
adverse to health;
 The placing and maintenance of workers in an occupational environment
adapted to physical and mental needs.
 The adaptation of work to humans.

12. Every day workers all over the world are faced many health hazards, such as:
-Dusts;
-Gases;
-Noise;
-Vibration;
-Extreme temperatures.
In Bangladesh, Occupational health and safety is very poor. Industrial plots are
allotted by Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and
Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) in industrial areas
developed by them. Now-a-days, Occupational health and safety is increasing in
our country.

13. There are some reasons for which the country has lagged behind in heavy and
medium-level industries. Problems are-
 Lack of capital
 Weak investment base
 Poor Infrastructure
 Unskilled human resources
 Lack of resources
 Political instability and lack of proper govt. policy

14. In more than 130 textile factories, seminars and workshops have been held for
specialized skilled workers, teaching them how to deal with chemicals and
manage waste water. There has been a marked decline in the number of
workplace accidents and cases of environmental pollution. In addition, it has
been possible to improve production conditions and use resources in a more
targeted way, which has also led to cost savings.
Five energy-saving measures have been introduced in more than 50 factories:
energy saving light bulbs, insulation, air compressors, steam conduits and
servomotors, as well as the generation of energy from solid waste and condensed
water, have brought energy savings of up to 20%.

15. More than 200 advisors have received training in how to deal with chemicals,
process waste water and improve energy efficiency. They are now working as
private service providers in these fields.
Together with Bangladesh’s environmental authority, the project has developed
standards and guidelines on the treatment of residual chemical sludge. These are
now to be incorporated into the country’s environmental laws.

16. Figure: Structural Change of Bangladesh Economy

17. Industrialization refers to increase in industrial activities in an economy. While
industrialization is essential to reap the benefit of modern technology and
improve the level of economic prosperity, it also creates some problems.
The most impact is left on environment by the process of industrialization. The
huge quantities of pollutants solids, liquids and gaseous which are being let out in
the air, water, land are investing the relationships between man and the nature
with new complexities.
The state of environment degradation occur due to industrilization may be
approached by examining four key areas:
-Water pollution and scarcity
-Land degradation
-Air pollution
-Extent of bio-diversity

18. Figure: Top five polluters that causes water pollution(Islam, et, al,2001)
Rank Industrial Sector Emission
(tons/year)
% Contribution
1 Pulp and Paper 91786.10 47.4%
2 Pharmaceuticals 30866.72 15.9%
3 Metal 27174.61 14.0%
4 Food Industry 23403.39 12.1%
5 Fertilizer/Pesticide 12715.00 6.6%

19. Figure: Industrial Waste Water Dumping

20. Figure: Top five polluters that causes Air pollution (Islam, et, al,2001)
Rank Industrial Sector Emission
(tons/year)
% Contribution
1 Food Industry 146356.06 38.7%
2 Cement/ Clay 62725.88 16.6%
3 Pulp and Paper 51963.92 13.7%
4 Textile 39831.01 10.5%
5 Tobacco 16992.22 4.5%

21. Figure: Industrial Emission

22.  Industry sector is one of the major sectors for income source in Bangladesh.
There were lots of flaws in this sector but Bangladesh could come up with
phenomenal results for the enrolment of people and to come out Bangladesh
from poverty though this Industry sector.
 The industrial sector in Bangladesh is a huge contributor for the country’s
economic growth and is also becoming a role model for the world. The labour
cost in our country is one of the least in the world. That is why maximum
companies have given us offer to make their products and in this way we are
increasing our GDP growth.