A new Digital Factory Passport was unveiled in Dhaka in a move meant to help Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry modernize record keeping for changing market rules, promising simpler data, easier audits and a stronger standing in global markets. The passport creates a single digital record for each factory where verified details about materials, production steps, sustainability actions and worker welfare are kept so brands, auditors and buyers can check a product’s journey and make faster decisions. Industry leaders said the tool aims to reduce repetitive audits, save time for factory managers and cut costs that come from answering the same questions to many buyers and auditors. Officials say a pilot phase will involve a group of willing factories so the system can be tested, data quality can be checked and small factories receive hands-on help to join the platform. Training and simple tools are part of the plan so smaller suppliers can learn how to collect clear information and upload it, and the project team plans easy guides, field visits and help desks to make the shift smooth. The passport is also designed to support sustainability goals by recording energy and water use, waste handling and steps factories take to lower emissions, which helps factories show progress to buyers who now ask for solid evidence. Experts note that global rules and buyer expectations are moving toward more product-level transparency, and having a trusted digital file will make Bangladesh factories more ready for those changes without losing orders. Technology partners stressed that the system will use secure methods to keep data safe and will link with other digital services so factories avoid duplicate work and can share the right information at the right time. Many exporters said they welcome the move because it could open new markets and help factories get better prices when they can prove quality and sustainability in a clear, fast way. At the same time industry voices asked for support such as subsidies for small factories, digital tools and time to adapt so the policy does not burden those with limited staff or cash. Organizers plan to measure results through simple indicators like time saved on audits, the share of factories with complete records and feedback from buyers and workers to make sure the passport works for people on the ground. The tone from business and partners was practical and forward looking: this is a tool meant to help factories work smarter, meet buyer needs and protect jobs while meeting higher standards. With careful training, fair rules and a phased rollout that helps smaller firms join, the Digital Factory Passport could truly help Bangladesh’s garment sector keep its competitive edge and meet the changing demands of global buyers.
