Bangladesh RMG Workers Elect Union Leaders Through Direct Ballot: Historic First for Garment Sector

Dhaka, August 10, 2026 — Workers at Rising Fashions Limited have elected their union leaders through direct ballot — the first time in Bangladesh's garment sector history that leaders of a basic trade union have been chosen through direct voting, marking a significant milestone for worker democracy in the world's second-largest apparel exporter.

📊 The Election

The election of the Rising Fashions Limited Workers' Union was held on August 7 at the Rupnagar Community Centre in Mirpur. Of the 463 registered voters, 353 cast their ballots. Md Billal Hossain was elected president, while Ziadul Islam, Akash Mia, Iqbal Hossain, Tanvir Hossain, Shirin Akter, Lima Akter, and Md Riaz were elected executive members. The union is affiliated with the Bangladesh Apparel Workers Federation (BAWF).

💬 Industry Response

Rising Fashions Limited Managing Director Mahmud Hasan Khan, who is also the current president of BGMEA, described the direct election process as encouraging. Towhidur Rahman, president of BAWF, said direct voting would help workers secure their legitimate rights — and noted this was the first time leaders in the apparel sector had been elected through such a process.

🌏 Significance for Bangladesh RMG

The direct-vote union election represents a significant step forward for labour rights in Bangladesh's RMG sector, which employs over 4 million workers. Traditionally, union leaders have been selected through indirect processes. Direct elections improve transparency, worker representation, and alignment with international labour standards — which is increasingly important for Western buyers who require social compliance certifications.