CSR and

-+ Workers’ Participation

Submitted By: CSR Research Team.

Submitted By: CSR Research Team.

Submitted by:

Mapping the Current Status of Corporate Social Responsibility

Activities and the Scope of Workers Participation

July-September 2015

Submitted by : CSR Research Team.

2015

Bangladesh Institute Of Labour Studies- BILS

Page 1 of 71
 Chapter-One

Introduction

1.1 Background and Justification

Bangladesh is a developing country of the third world. But it has a very strong and wide range of
foreign revenue earning sector which is Readymade Garment Industry locally known as RMG
among many other incoming sources like corporate sector, national and multinational
companies, non-government organizations, private entrepreneurs and banking sectors and so on..
The existing working condition in different productive sectors especially in the garment sector
has yet to touch the height of global standard that have recently drawn universal attention from
multinational companies investing and doing business in Bangladesh. Most of foreign investors
or business tycoons in all kinds of trading areas have been putting priority on Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) as effective means of sustainable business, positive social image of the
corporations and job benefits as well as healthy working environment for the employees.
However, the present international attention on CSR and comparatively on the prevailing poor
working environment in Bangladesh might be the optimal opportunities for addressing workers‟
rights through effective implementation of CSR as platform for promoting responsible business
behavior in the labor market in general. During this project phase, Bangladesh Institute of Labor
Studies (BILS) intends to dig into the ways and scope of functional attachment of trade unions
with CSR towards ensuring workers rights and enhancing their participation. BILS emphasizes
on the workers‟ integration in CSR as well as advocacy for a national framework in accordance
with concern international instruments in particular of the United Nations Global Compact
(UNGC) guiding principles regarding business and human rights as well as other relevant tools
of CSR.
Moreover, the existing nature of CSR activities done by the corporate bodies still remains vague.
It has recently become one of the cherished buzzwords and matter of expectation among the
modern business globally. The voluntary prototype of the corporate responsibilities has also
created tension between entrepreneurial responsibility and entrepreneurial charity for promoting
workers‟ rights. Whereas a common realization on CSR is widely absent among the investors,
trade unions (TUs), consumers and the employees truly in Bangladesh. Without having a
common understanding on CSR, many of the corporate good intentions to promote workers‟
welfare are being undervalued. Thus, there is an immense necessity to reinforce the
organizational and legal position of national trade unions in terms of workers‟ rights and CSR
issues of the corporations that will obviously enhance the way of responsibility of the employers
Page 2 of 71
and the state government to promote sound industrial relations and decent working environment
in every business and productive sectors.
1.2 General Objectives
The Core objective of the study is to identify the issues concern of workers‟ rights in the existing
CSR activities and find out how best to promote workers rights and decent work through the
CSR actions by conducting an analysis of the current practices of CSR and scope of trade
unions‟ involvement in such schemes.
Specific Objectives;
i. To understand the existing policies and practices of CSR through analyzing the legal
instruments at national level;
ii. To know about the pattern and policies adopted by the corporations and the prior obstacles
encountered by the organizational authority to conduct the CSR activities;
iii. To find out the ways of reflection of United Nations Global Compact guiding principles
regarding CSR activities by the concern corporate bodies;
iv. To explore the existing level of awareness or knowledge about CSR among the policy
makers, civil society, concern employers and workers;
v. To know the present status and future role of trade union in CSR activities;

1.3 Research Methodology

This study was conducted implying both qualitative and quantitative research methods and
techniques. In this study, data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. To elicit
information regarding the existing practices of CSR in Bangladesh total Seven (07)
organizations of different categories were purposively selected for data collection. As area of the
study that we have considered Mohammadia Group from RMG sector, Unilever from
Multinational companies, Janata Bank from banking sector, Square Group from Pharmaceuticals
and Navana Real Estate from Building & Construction, Sopura Silk Mills Rajshahi from textile
sector and Rahimafroze from Production and Service for empirical data. Mainly „Sample
Survey‟ and „Case Study‟ were used as research methods; and „Interview‟, „Observation‟ and
„Key Informant Interview‟ was applied as data collection techniques to collect more authentic
data from the respondents. As KII of the study, the researchers had interviewed some social
elites, owners and investors of different corporations, think tanks, trade union leaders and chief
executives of the relevant research organizations of Bangladesh who are thought to be very
influential and right persons in terms of policy implication in national level of CSR. The
researcher had to communicate with the selected respondents for appointment and then
interviewed them either ‘Face to Face’ or „Over phone’ in some cases due to time constraints.
Page 3 of 71
As data collection tools, a semi-structured open ended checklist and guidelines were followed
during interview. Moreover, journals, magazines, newspaper, research papers and few other
written documents relevant to the study topic were reviewed as secondary sources of data.
1.4 Limitations of the Study
In every research, there are some sorts of pains and pleasures in different phases such as topic
and area selection, fixing up goals and objectives, tabulation and preparation of questionnaire,
data collection as well as report preparation. Sometimes the researcher becomes bound to
encounter various problems and go through several limitations because of nature of the
respondents. In spite of all positive initiatives taken by the researcher or research organization
experience the hard time and seem to be biased while conducting survey research. The present
study is thought to conduct on CSR status and activities performed by the corporations, national
and international companies, banks, NGOs and RMGs in relation to workers participation in
such activities and benefits. It is commonly known to us that CSR assumes the organizational
interests in terms of sustainable growth and development of the company images and workers
benefits. But CSR has yet to be well recognized and understood by the company owners and
investors as well as by the workers who are the main parties of CSR concern because of their
improper knowledge and interest. The research team had to face so many difficulties and hassles
as the respondents were not aware and well known regarding the issue. Most of them understand
CSR as any kind of charity or welfare activities rather realizing its social value and significance.
Some prior limitations of the study are presented here;

 The researchers really had faced hard time to get appointment with the respondents such
as investors, employees, stakeholders, trade union leaders, social elite and policy makers
for interview on CSR issues, which was the foremost limitation of the study.
 Most of the corporations‟ authorities are very reluctant to respond on this issue because
of their insufficient knowledge and improper CSR practices.
 Since the research carries no direct benefit for the respondents, which discourages them
to spontaneous response during data collection.
 The area of the study is comparatively a new phenomenon among the respondents
because of its conceptual drawbacks that impedes smooth functioning of the researchers.
 In most of the cases, the owners of the corporations considered as respondents were
found unwilling to speak on CSR as it widely indicates huge financial inclusion of their
business.
 It was bit difficult to interview the respondents as CSR is still not well established as an
academic word or even a business term because of insufficient application and lack of
Page 4 of 71
 professional practice.
 The researchers had faced time constraints as the study was designed to accomplish
within a very short and certain time frame.

Chapter-Two

2.0 Review of Relevant Literature

In this segment we attempt to present the outcomes of the literature review emphasizing on few
core areas for instance Workers‟ perspective definition of CSR and its Purposes, Patterns of
CSR in practices, Involvement of Workers and Trade Unions in CSR activities and Status of
United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) CSR guidelines that followed in Bangladesh.

2.1 Definition of CSR

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) generally refers to social and ethical responsibilities that
corporations should perform in their business activities beyond legal requirements. The term
CSR is widely recognized and accepted currently across the global corporations as a social and
ethical dimension of business. As a concept it is „a talk of the town in corporate circles these
days‟ (Mess and Bohman 2004).
CSR is generally meant to be a long term essential sustainability of a company. The core focus
of CSR is on sustainability and responsibility towards ensuring growth, expansion and profit
maximization of the companies in a long term basis being socially accountable. CSR
Bangladesh was established in 2008 to facilitate, expand and encourage CSR practice in
Bangladesh. The CSRB is a non-profit organization and its objective is to become the source of
information, resources and advisory services on CSR in Bangladesh
(http://www.csrbangladesh.org/index.php). There is no unified definition of CSR available in
the global academia. As stated by Mr. Shitangshu Kumar Sur Chowdhury, Deputy Governor of
Bangladesh Bank (BB) in his address at the MRDI‟s lessons learnt document launching
ceremony “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is mainly about the awareness of and actions
in support of environmentally sustainable societal development. CSR actions aim at mitigating
the diverse environmental impacts of the activities of the business and at reducing inequalities
and alleviating deprivation and poverty in the communities across the country”.

Page 5 of 71
In another definition CSR is mentioned as concepts of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
and its practices in Bangladesh have a long history of philanthropic activities from time
immemorial. Such philanthropic activities included donations to different charitable
organizations, poor people and religious institutions. Until now, most businesses in Bangladesh
are family owned and first generation ones. They are involved in community development work
in the form of charity without having any definite policy regarding the expenses or any concrete
motive regarding financial gains in many instances. Moreover, most of the small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) fall under the informal sector having low management structure and
resources to address the social and environmental issues. These limitations drive the top
management of local companies to think only about the profit maximization rather than doing
business considering the triple bottom line: profit, planet and people (CSR definition of Lotus
Holdings).

Professor M Alimullah Miyan wrote that CSR concentrates on benefits of all stakeholders rather
than just the stockholders. Awareness and sense of necessity for practicing CSR is becoming
more and more pronounced as the country has to adapt itself to the process of globalization. But
the overall status of CSR in Bangladesh is still very merge. However, Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR), which is also known as Corporate Citizenship (CC) or Sustainable
Responsible Business (SRB).
The present condition of CSR in Bangladesh is still far behind compared to the developed
countries. There should be a unique opinion for CSR in Bangladesh to be perfectly practiced.
In this regard, BILS defines CSR as
“Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) terms to be the dynamic process of
mutual collaboration through rapport on the basis of some professional
norms, ethics and principles practised or nurtured by the company owners,
authoritative bodies or investors as their business responsibility for the
stakeholders, consumers or workers in connection to their social, financial
and environmental benefits in a sustainable manner”.

2.2 CSR Prior Objectives

In the sectors like banks, both national and multinational companies and RMG; CSR activities
are expected to be in a good range over the recent few years in Bangladesh. There could be
found a number of specific objectives in general with some set prior goals towards the change
and development in the entire business affiliated beneficiaries even the companies themselves
through a strategic manner, which are outlined in a few;

Page 6 of 71
  To establish a strong base of motivation, substantiated by an equally effective cultural
mindset in the corporate world that will certainly lead to making decisions as part of long
term sustainable business strategies by the owners or investors themselves through
practice CSR effectively.
 To recognize the all sorts of charity, voluntary and corporate philanthropic activities
currently done by the concern corporate as more sustainable, equitable and socially
balanced ways in terms of stakeholders, consumers and company benefits through a long
term basis.
 To reintroduce a set of moral and ethical guidelines of the corporate bodies to follow
during conducting welfare activities through the label of CSR.
 To introduce CSR as effective tool to development widely in the four significant phases
of the company such as economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic.
 To widen the scope of financial benefits and access to economically disadvantaged
regions and vulnerable group of people through properly stepping up to ensure easy
access to appropriate financial products and services in a fair and transparent manner by
effective practice of CSR.
 To create positive and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders of
the companies especially of the RMGs owners with their workers.

Besides the above general objectives, for further prospects of CSR activities and services by the
companies, the first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategic objectives taken for the
Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) for 2010 to 2013 United Kingdom (UK) may be followed;
According to the first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategic objectives taken for the
Metropolitan Police Service for 2010 to 2013 UK; to turn their CSR mission into reality, they
believe the need to focus on four priority areas: Our People, Our Services and Engagement
with Communities, Our Environmental Impact and Climate Change, and Our Organization.

PRIORITY-01

Our people
Developing a talented and diverse workforce that enhances our ability to serve London
effectively and respectfully.
Objectives:

A. Recruit based on the highest standards of merit, integrity, honesty and respect for

Page 7 of 71
 diversity.
B. Develop a workforce and working culture that demonstrates respect, openness
and fairness, and encourages diversity and equality.
C. Ensure high standards of health, safety and wellbeing for our people.
D. Build and foster an environment where our people can excel in their performance
and can learn and develop in order to deliver a high quality of service to
colleagues and the community.

PRIORITY-02

Our services and engagement with communities

Making a positive social, environmental, and economic difference to London‟s diverse
communities through effective community engagement, delivery of policing activities and
improving partnership working at all levels.
Objectives:
A. Build public confidence in the policing of London through improving
engagement with our diverse communities.
B. Increase public safety by improving our service delivery in identified critical
performance areas.
C. Work with partners to support and contribute to community projects that benefit
Londoners – particularly around crime reduction and prevention – led by
individuals, statutory, voluntary or third sector organizations.
D. Support vulnerable groups in our communities, such as young people, both to
keep them safe from harm and to reduce the risk that they become involved in
crime.
E. Realize a positive impact upon local and national economies through the
disbursement of proceeds of crime and our service delivery/crime prevention
activities.
F. Provide sustainable employment opportunities and support local/national
economies through our procurement spend and supply chain.

PRIORITY-03

Our environmental impact and climate change

Minimize the negative impacts of our activities on the environment and reduce the effects of

Page 8 of 71
climate change whilst furthering our positive impacts.
Objectives:
A. Manage our direct and indirect carbon emissions to reduce our impact upon
climate change.
B. Manage waste sustainably by adopting the waste hierarchy (reducing, reusing
and recycling waste prior to disposal) through our policing operations and
management of our estate.
C. Support and enhance biodiversity and local environmental quality by tackling
environmental crime and anti-social behavior, enforcing wildlife legislation and
delivering initiatives to prevent wildlife crime.
D. Purchase sustainable products and services, and where appropriate develop and
actively encourage our suppliers and their supply chains to do the same

PRIORITY-04

Our Organization
Delivering an open and efficient service, demonstrating accountability, transparency, value
for money and sustainability to the public.
Objectives:
A. Deliver a policing service that treats all members of the public fairly and with
dignity and respect.
B. Ensure Londoners have a representative voice in setting policing priorities and
feeding back on their service experience.
C. Drive and maintain the highest standards of accountability, scrutiny,
transparency and reporting, to assure the public on the quality of our
organizational management.
D. Discharge our fiduciary duty through the efficient, ethical and transparent
management and use of all resources entrusted to us, delivering value for money
to the public.
E. Plan, deliver and operate a sustainable, adaptable estate that meets the needs of
our people, communities and the environment.
F. Positively influence suppliers to demonstrate high social and ethical standards
and where appropriate, require the same from their supply chains.
G. Support London‟s vision to deliver “the first sustainable Olympic and
Paralympic Games” by implementing a sustainability management system (in

Page 9 of 71
 line with BS 8901) for MPS activities that support the delivery of the 2012
Games.

2.3 Understanding CSR and its standards in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, CSR is such a phenomenon which is all about a longitudinal sustainability of an
organization or company with a direct focus on its tri-dimensional baseline such as financial or
economic, environment and social. CSR basically indicates what the concern companies
perform voluntarily reaching ahead of their organizational agreement with existing laws and
regulations of the country where they are conducting their business in. There are no generalized
or patented types or categories of CSR available in banking sectors, national or international
organizations, and small or medium, and broad range national or multinational companies, and
even in RMG sectors around the world with no exception to Bangladesh.

Generally speaking Corporate Social Responsibility is the act of an organization ensuring it is

sustainable and responsible. The European Commission recognizes CSR as the “voluntary social
and environmental practices of business, linked to their core activities, which go beyond
companies‟ existing legal obligations”.

There is no unique dimension or approach of CSR. It indeed focuses on two way dimensions
such as Internal Dimension and External Dimension.
 In its internal dimension, CSR includes human resources management and development
practices; health, safety and environmental practices at work place; assessing, increasing
and adapting the social and environmental impact of a company; maintaining business
ethics and codes; initiate employee skill development programmed and keeping product
standard and responsibility.
 The external dimensions incorporate local communities through development
programmers; donations and contributions to Civil Society Organizations; Supply Chain
management; Educational programmers at various levels; Cluster Development;

Page 10 of 71
 business, partners, suppliers and consumers, human rights and global environmental
concerns etc.
Moreover, CSR may be as simple as contribution or sponsorship to any social service oriented
entertainment events.

Furthermore, CSR can be positively integrated to the business through three prior approaches;
Economic Approach, Social Approach and Environmental Approach. Here, Economic Approach
includes Consumer Confidence, Interest Rates and Exchange Rates. Social Approach includes
Human Rights, Labour or Workplace, Communities and Corruption. And the Environmental
Approach incorporates Governance, Regulation or Policy, Resource use, Waste, Climate change
and Biodiversity etc (http://www.csrcentre-bd.org/).
According to the opinion of Dr. Atiur Rahman, Governor, Bangladesh Bank, in wider aspects,
CSR is not only about doing philanthropy/charity or protecting the environment; it also aims at
eradicating poverty and reducing deprivation amongst the poor/underprivileged segment of the
society. Enhancing CSR as a means for poverty reduction and achieving sustainable
development requires combined initiatives by all stakeholder groups involved: governmental
bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private corporations.

In our country, besides government and NGOs, banking community is playing the most
important role to make use of CSR as a link between business and development, and their CSR
programmers are their significant contribution to development.

2.4 CSR & Trade Union in Bangladesh: Understanding Role, Challenges and
Potentials

The Readymade Garment (RMG) sector, the single biggest foreign exchange earner in
Bangladesh has come a long way in last two decades. The industry has crossed many
hurdles to stay competitive. It has proved many predictions futile and wrong and
competes fiercely even after the abolition of quotas under Multi-Fibre Arrangement
(MFA) in the North American market and special market entry to European markets.
(Khan, 2007).

Basically readymade garment industry seems to be the base of trade union around the
world. It is an association or formal congregation of the labor or worker representatives
responsible for ensuring good relationship between both the owners or authorities and the
workers in terms to their requirements and creating good working environment within
Page 11 of 71
company through a continuous effort. Trade union is thought to deal with the issues that
aroused or may arise some internal unrest among the workers for their demands or
mitigate other sorts of formal or informal issues through motivating the workers for them
and the welfare of the company. But the scenario is bit different in the readymade
garments sector of Bangladesh because to form and continue the functions of trade union
require consciousness among the worker participants who are supposed to be benefitted
and the representatives because of their lack of sufficient knowledge and proper education
whereas much more better situation is existed in Europe, USA, UK, Canada and the other
developed countries of the world. Trade Union is an organization of workers who
congregate together to achieve common goals in key areas such as wages, working hours,
and working conditions, forming a cartel of labor. Labor union was banned from EPZ
units until 2008. For the first time in the country, 69 industrial units in Dhaka and
Chittagong Export Processing Zones (EPZ) have introduced workers‟ associations on the
basis of referendums by workers. At the same time, workers of 22 industrial units have
voted for not having any trade union body for themselves for yet another year. The
referendums on having workers‟ associations were held from January to the middle of this
month. There are 124 more “eligible” industrial units in these two EPZs which will have
to hold their referendums by 2010 as per a decision of Bangladesh Export Processing
Zones Authority (BEPZA) on the basis of a 2004 act on allowing trade union activities
(Tamanna 2010).
The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union
members and negotiates labor contracts with employers. This may include the negotiation
of wages, work rules, complaint procedures, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion
of workers, benefits, workplace safety and policies. In deed these all above areas are
closely related to the welfare and job security of the workers those are currently not in
satisfactory level mostly applicable to the RMGs rather than the banking sectors in
Bangladesh. Trade Union movement in garments sector is very weak. Even it is weaker
than the other sectors. Main reasons of the weakness of trade union movement of garment
sector in Bangladesh are:

1. Disunity and division of organizations. 2. Unlimited and long working hours. 3.

Absence of Job security. 4. Migration from factory to factory. 5. Absence of weekly
holiday and other holidays. 6. Majority of women. 7. State policy. 8. Elite class
ownership. 9. Low wage. 10. Unemployment of the country (Tamanna, 2010).

Page 12 of 71
According to BKMEA regarding Corporate Social Responsibility; CSR is such an effort that can
contribute a lot to community development. The corporate house can develop the community by
creating employment, providing primary education, contribution to infrastructure development
like road and high-ways and addressing environmental concerns. By now, many CSR
dimensions are practiced in Bangladesh. Companies are now facing the challenges of adapting
effectively to the changing environment in the context of globalization and in particular in the
export sector. In the corporate world of the knitwear industry in Bangladesh, companies have
gradually been attaching more importance to CSR in the local markets as well. They are
increasingly aware that CSR can be of direct economic value. Companies can contribute to
social and environmental objectives, through integrating CSR as a strategic investment into their
core business strategy, management instruments and operations.
In the context of Bangladesh towards sustainable business, the joint and collaborative initiatives
and actions spontaneously performed by both trade unions and concern authority of CSR in the
companies or RMGs can rigorously influence on the more economic and social value of the
business.

2.5 CSR and Workers Participation

CSR has been defined in general terms as „the obligation of the firm to use its resources in ways
to benefit society, through committed participation as a member of society, taking into account
the society at large and improving the welfare of society at large independent of direct gains of
the company‟ (Weile et al., 2001: 288). Some commentators have pointed out that only multi-
national companies and a few of the leading national companies in Bangladesh have the
resources to implement CSR. Some others argue that CSR is primarily a political and strategic
agenda pushed by policy makers, NGOs and big business.
Furthermore, it is argued that only export-oriented companies whose customers are in Europe or
North America need CSR to comply with the „Overseas‟ CSR requirements of their buyers. As
mentioned earlier, there are many evidences of corporate philanthropy in Bangladesh, which is
different in character from fully developed CSR practice by a company, however small, medium
or large in size – local or multination. In true sense, there is a very meticulous relation between
the workers benefit through their participatory contribution and performances for the company,
and the activities conducted by the company labeled as CSR towards ensuring entire wellbeing
of the company and the workers as well.

Page 13 of 71
There is a well recognized contribution of participation and belongingness towards any
possession by its stakeholders behind every success and progress. In any production or service
laid organizations, participation either in decision making, production policy or further prior
discussion of the workers are the main source of their motivation and praiseworthy outcomes of
the company. Participation tends to improve motivation because employees feel more accepted
and involved in the situation (Newstrom & Davis, 2004).
As the broad objectives of both trade union and CSR are very close in connection which focus
on the company sustainable growth and long term benefits in one hand, and the workers
motivation through ensuring sufficient facilities in other. Moreover the extreme goals of the
trade union and CSR realize the significance of the needs and necessity of the workers if the
company is production based such as readymade garments, workers participation is a must to
properly implement the functions of CSR and trade union as they are prior beneficiary. But it is
obviously a matter of concern that the participation of the workers in CSR activities as well as
benefits and in trade union is still very frustrating compared to other developing or neighboring
countries.

2.6 International Instruments for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate sustainability starts with a company‟s value system and a principled approach to
doing business. This means operating in ways that, at a minimum, meet fundamental
responsibilities in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.
Responsible businesses enact the same values and principles wherever they have a presence, and
know that good practices in one area do not offset harm in another. By incorporating the
international guidelines for CSR into strategies, policies and procedures, and establishing a
culture of integrity, corporations are not only upholding their basic responsibilities to people and
planet, but also setting the stage for long-term success in their business in modern era. There
some international organizations are continuously producing guidelines and principles for
smooth functioning of CSR activities around the world with no exception to Bangladesh. The
following organizations are playing a very significant role amongst many in the field of CSR;

2.6.1 United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)

2.6.2 OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
2.6.3 ISO 26000 Guidance on Social Responsibility
2.6.4 International Labor Organization (ILO)

2.6.1 United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)

Page 14 of 71
The UN Global Compact‟s Ten Principles are derived from: the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, the International Labour Organization‟s Declaration on Fundamental Principles
and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the United
Nations Convention Against Corruption (United Nations,
2010)https://www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/mission/principles accessed on 29/07/2015
at 16.54pm). In summary, The Global Compact is a UN initiative designed to encourage
companies to act as socially responsible members of the international community by committing
to the following principles (United Nations, 2010):
The UN Global Compact has two broad goals. These are to mainstream ten core principles
relating to human rights, labour standards, the environment, and anticorruption in business
activities around the world; and to catalyze actions in support of broader UN goals, such as the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). A voluntary initiative, it is not a code of conduct. It
offers “a policy framework for organizing and developing corporate sustainability strategies
while offering a platform – based on universal principles – to encourage innovative initiatives
and partnerships with civil society, governments and other stakeholders”. The UN Global
Compact invites companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, the
following ten principles:

Human Rights
Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed
human rights; and
Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labour Standards
Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition
of the right to collective bargaining;
Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and
Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Environment
Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

Anti-Corruption
Page 15 of 71
Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and
bribery.

2.6.2 OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidelines, adopted in
1976 and revised in 2000, are recommendations addressed by governments to multinational
enterprises. They set out voluntary principles and standards for responsible business conduct
consistent with applicable laws. The OECD Guidelines are aimed at:
 Ensuring that the operations of multinational enterprises are in harmony with
government policies;
 Strengthening the basis of mutual confidence between enterprises and the societies in
which they operate;
 Helping improve the foreign investment climate;
 Enhancing the contribution to sustainable development made by multinational
enterprises.
The OECD Guidelines are part of a broader instrument – the OECD Declaration on International
Investment and Multinational Enterprises – which promotes a comprehensive, interlinked and
balanced approach for governments‟ treatment of foreign direct investment and for enterprises‟
activities in adhering countries. Today, the OECD has 30 member countries. OECD activities
include data collection and harmonization; undertaking research and studies; providing a forum
where governments of member countries can discuss and develop economic and social policies;
defining common principles to ensure better coordination of national and international policies;
and adopting various kinds of international instruments such as agreements, decisions and
recommendations.
The MNE Declaration, the Global Compact, and the OECD Guidelines are the three main
international frames of reference in the area of CSR. While the Global Compact provides a way
for companies to be directly involved, the other two are instruments that provide more detailed
recommendations on the desirable behaviour of companies on employment, training, conditions
of work and life, general policies and industrial relations. The specific aspect that distinguishes
the OECD Guidelines is that although their observance is voluntary for enterprises, they are
binding for adhering governments, which are requested to promote their application not only by
enterprises that operate in their territories but also by those which are based in their countries
and operate in non-adhering countries. The Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) Declaration, on

Page 16 of 71
the other hand, is the only instrument that has been adopted by governments, employers and
workers. The three instruments:
-Are based on universal principles;
-Include the four fundamental principles and rights at work;
-Encourage enterprises to establish dialogue with workers‟ representatives, trade unions and
those other parties that are directly or indirectly affected by their operations;
-Encourage enterprises to contribute to sustainable development and a fair globalization,
· To enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all;
· To strengthen tri-partism and social dialogue.

2.6.3 ISO 26000 Guidance on Corporate Social Responsibility

ISO 26000 Guidance on Social Responsibility is an initiative of the International Organization
for Standardization (ISO). Among many other things, ISO 26000 includes definitions,
background, principles and seven core subjects on social responsibility. The seven core subjects
are; organizational governance, human rights, labour practices, the environment, fair operating
practices, consumer issues and community involvement and development. The core subjects
have 37 related issues. ISO 26000 provides guidance on how a socially responsible enterprise or
organization can and should work with implementation, stakeholder involvement, due diligence,
and communication on its CSR performance. Someone can use ISO 26000 as source of
inspiration, but if someone wants to be able to claim his enterprise socially responsible
according to the guidance, actual efforts must be made within all seven core subjects.
Certification to ISO 26000 is not possible. It your organization or enterprise wants a CSR
Certification, a Danish certifiable standard based on ISO 26000 exists, prepared by Danish
Standards under the title DS 49001 social responsibility management system recruitments,
having status of a national standard.

2.6.4 International Labor Organization (ILO)

The ILO is unique in the UN system because of its tripartite structure in which employers‟ and
workers‟ representatives have an equal voice with those of governments in all discussions and
decision-making processes. Since its foundation in 1919, the ILO has adopted 187 Conventions
and 198 Recommendations covering a broad range of subjects related to the world of work
including human rights at work, occupational safety and health, employment policy and human
resources development. (www.ilo.org/ilolex/index.htm)

Page 17 of 71
The main function of the ILO is to formulate international labour standards in the form of
Conventions and Recommendations, and to supervise their application in member States.
Conventions are international treaties subject to ratification by ILO member States. In contrast,
Recommendations are non-binding instruments. The ILO can play an important role in CSR
because labour standards and social dialogue are key aspects of CSR. Most CSR initiatives,
including codes of conduct, refer to the principles deriving from international labour standards.
Furthermore, the ILO‟s unique tripartite structure and its efforts to promote social dialogue are
key to facilitating the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the dissemination of CSR.
The International Labor Organization (ILO) includes a very strong position in principle to
enhance the global position of CSR. Recently ILO has defined CSR as "…a way in which
enterprises give consideration to the impact of their operations on society and affirm their
principles and values both in their own internal methods and processes and in their interaction
with other actors. CSR is a voluntary, enterprise-driven initiative and refers to activities that are
considered to exceed compliance with the law".
The International Labor Organization (ILO) includes some other activities:
 Developing international policies and programmers to promote basic human rights,
improve working and living conditions, and enhance employment opportunities;
 An extensive programmers of international technical cooperation, formulated and
implemented in an active partnership with constituents, to help countries in making these
policies effective in practice;
 Training, education, research, and publishing activities to help advance all of these
efforts.
ILO is establishing a helpdesk for companies, industry initiatives and employers, workers and
governments to promote full and accurate inclusion of the principles of the MNE Declaration.
Summary:
● a voluntary global framework for responsible business conduct;
● developed and endorsed by government, business and workers organizations;
● based on agreed ILO conventions and recommendations;
● applies universally, regardless of ratification;
● Key reference point for other initiatives in the area of labour;
● involves regular monitoring and review.
For more information: www.oecd.org/daf/investment/guidelines.

Page 18 of 71
2.7 National Level Understanding: Legal Framework and Way Forward of CSR
In Bangladesh, it is commonly known that there are no mandatory laws or institutionalized
principles to bring together the existing social-cultural and moral performance of the
corporations into the legal framework. Still this country is striving to establish the concept of
CSR among the corporations and the stakeholders through legal and organizational basis. The
Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) is an independent, non-profit, non-
government, policy, research, and implementation institute working on sustainable development
(SD) at local, national, regional and global levels. Corporate Social Responsibility is one of the
major areas of BCAS at present and therefore it is operating several projects under two working
segments: Social Compliance and Environmental Compliance. It provides organizational
assistance to compete with global market through improving working conditions, health and
safety and environmental standards to ensure more productivity and the better quality of
products.
In Bangladesh, it is commonly known that there are no mandatory laws or institutionalized
principles to bring together the existing social-cultural and moral performance of the
corporations into the legal framework. Still this country is striving to establish the concept of
CSR among the corporations and the stakeholders through legal and organizational basis.
Nevertheless, there are some laws in function to reach the objectives of CSR and facilitate a
situation for corporations to perform CSR though these are not explicitly functional for CSR
such as The Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 (Amendment 2013);The Bangladesh Environment
Conservation Act 1995, The Bangladesh Labour Welfare Foundation Act 2006 and The
Environmental Preservation Policy 1997 etc.
The Global Compact Network Bangladesh was launched on 26 January 2009 by the CSR Centre
(CSRC) and the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI). BEI and CSRC have been designated as
representatives of the Bangladesh Network. The Bangladesh Network is comprised of 43
signatories of the UN Global Compact that are committed to implementing the UN Global
Compact principles and to achieving long-term corporate excellence while setting a standard for
socially responsible business practices in Bangladesh
(https://www.unglobalcompact.org/engage-locally/asia/bangladesh, accessed on 29/07/2015 at
17.26pm).
2.7.1 National CSR Policy for Children in Bangladesh
In joint collaboration of the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MOLE) and Save the
Children, the National CSR Policy for Children in Bangladesh has been started to be drafted

Page 19 of 71
which is now in final stage. The framework of this Policy is based on the UN-CRBP–United
Nations Child Rights and Business Principles that was signed by Bangladesh in 2009. Among
various national policies relevant to the wellbeing of the working and vulnerable children of
Bangladesh; The Child Labour Prohibition Act 2010, The National Skill Development Act 2011
and The National Law 2012 will play a directive role on the national CSR policy for the
children. The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MOLE) will be held responsible for the
implementation, observation, monitoring, coordination and direction of the policy. The
following ministries such as The Ministry of Trade and Commerce, The Ministry of Women and
Children Affairs, The Ministry of Education, The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education,
Home Ministry, Finance Ministry, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Health and Family
Planning, Ministry of Communication and postal, Ministry of Local Government and Rural
Development and The Ministry of Social Welfare will act as associate to successfully enhance
the implementation of the policy. This policy is thought to be the guidelines to extend helping
facilities towards the children of below 18 years so that they could contribute to the entire
national development. This policy aims at transforming the vulnerable group of people as human
resources, create congenial atmosphere in the trade and industry and increase production and
impact on the entire national development. A Continuous advocacy with relevant ministries and
stakeholders are engaged with this process. Within summer 2015 this Policy will be enacted by
the Government of Bangladesh.

Page 20 of 71
 Chapter-Three

3.0 Discussion of the Major Findings;

The term CSR has recently become a buzz word globally in the business field with no
exception to Bangladesh. Over the last couple of years CSR has been thought to be the
pioneering source of business in-terms of growth and development towards sustainability
and workers welfare. Bangladesh is still behind of many developed countries on the basis
of CSR institutional orientation and its activities. The current study was planned to justify
the existing status of CSR, Scope of workers participation and justification of the
involvement of Trade Unions in CSR activities. It is generally known to us that RMG
sector is the main foreign exchange earning sector of Bangladesh. National economy and
economic development of Bangladesh is largely dependent on the growth and
improvement of this sector. In the previous chapter it is mentioned that the objective of
this research is to know about the pattern and policies adopted by the corporations to
conduct the CSR activities and reflection of United Nations Global Compact principles on
CSR, level of awareness regarding CSR among the company authority and workers. The
BILS research team has selected total seven (07) organizations like Mohammadia Group
from RMG sector, Unilever from Multinational companies, Janata Bank from banking
sector, Square Group from Pharmaceuticals and Navana Real Estate from Building &
Construction, Sopura Silk Mills Rajshahi from textile sector and Rahimafroze from
Production and Service sector for achieving the objectives. Through the baseline survey
the research team could collect the following findings;

3.1 Origin and Development of CSR in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the concept of CSR and its practices have been seen for a long past. The CSR
activities indeed refer to the kind donations, or different charitable and philanthropic effort and
involvement towards some social organizations, poor people and religious institutions. It is well
noticed that most of the businesses institutions in Bangladesh are family owned and first
generation businesses. They have been in close connection with community development work
in the form of charity without having any definite policy regarding the expenses or any concrete
motive regarding financial gains in many instances. Bangladesh is a developing economy in
South Asia where CSR has long been a practice in the traditional form of philanthropy.
Company owners and managers motivated by religious and humanitarian spirit engaged in
charitable donations, sponsored for social and community welfare programmes, assisted in
Page 21 of 71
building of religious and academic institutes and so on. This philanthropic attitude is still alive
in the business sector, although changes are apparent in the present days in the face of
globalization, deregulation and privatization (Nasrullah & Rahim 2014).
It is seen that there was no precise policies on CSR in Bangladesh prior to 2008. In 2008,
Bangladesh Bank (BB) took initiatives for formalizing CSR in the banking sector of
Bangladesh and issued a detailed directive entitled “Mainstreaming Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) in bank and financial institutions in Bangladesh”. Bangladesh Bank issued
circulars and guidelines on Green Banking and Environmental Risk Management. Through
some reviews on CSR practices it is found that a quite good number of corporations are showing
interests and commitment increasingly to CSR beyond profit making and compliance with
regulation. For example, CARE Bangladesh, Katalyst (funded by DFID, SDC, SIDA and CIDA)
and Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) are working at the forefront of CSR programs in
Bangladesh.
Moreover, CSR–as the concept is understood today i.e. including health & safety, human rights,
child labour, environmental and climate issues is relatively new but there are a number of signs
that it is becoming increasingly important in Bangladesh–in all businesses but particularly
companies with international business & export. CSR cannot be ignored because Bangladesh
depends on its export i.e. a global market. Some of obvious signs are observed that continuously
enhancing the existing position of CSR in Bangladesh:
 The newspapers are writing about CSR,
 training/studies are being offered both at university level and professional training,
 an increasing number of companies are signing up for Global Companies
 an increasing number of companies are being certified (CSR related certifications) for
examples: SA8000, ISO26000
In August 2007, the CSR Centre of Bangladesh was registered as a Trust, under the Trust Act
1882 as an autonomous CSR Centre and a non-profit organization. The primary objective of the
CSR Centre is to become the prime source of information, resources, and advisory services on
CSR in Bangladesh. CSR Centre is the joint focal point for United Nations Global Compact
(UNGC) in Bangladesh along with the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI). In the present time
CSR Centre is playing a very vital role in providing authentic guidelines and conceptual ideas to
the corporations and promoting the CSR concepts and activities through some researches in
Bangladesh.
In further, The Global Compact Network Bangladesh was launched on 26 January 2009 by the
CSR Centre (CSRC) and the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI). BEI and CSRC have been

Page 22 of 71
designated as representatives of the Bangladesh Network. So, one thing is very clear from the
study findings that the conceptual and functional position of CSR in Bangladesh is in
remarkably good position compared to the previous decades.

3.2 CSR and Owners Perception

The major findings of the study reflect that most of the owners of the companies are found bit
unaware and reluctant regarding the CSR concepts and its functions as it really means. It is seen
that the concept „Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)‟ varies with the variation of company
management. It is becoming a key initiative and an essential tool in the development of third
world countries throughout the world. It can be understood that there should have a universal
definition of CSR that can be understood equally and performed by all.
Table- CSR and Owners Perception
Sl. No Name of Corporation Perception on CSR as viewed
01 Square SQUARE recognizes CSR as the continuing commitment by the business
Pharmaceuticals to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while
improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as
local community and the society at large.
02 Navana Real Estate Navana Real Estate considers CSR as a part of business and they also
think that every business has some economic, environmental and social
responsibilities that are met by CSR.
03 Mohammadi Group Mohammadi Group is bit different. They think any voluntary role of
business in contributing to a better society is called CSR.
04 Rahimafrooz Group Rahimafrooz mainly focuses on Triple Bottom Lines such as People;
Rahimafrozz is a value driven organization that inspires people with its
values. Education as key to community emancipation (RSF School),
Planet; Solarizing access to Energy and Profit; Achieving financial
objectives with sustainable activities upholding the values
05 Janata Bank Janata Bank is well ahead in terms of CSR perception. They think
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of the most sophisticated,
radical terms is being treated as the determinant of corporate outlook
towards society with business activities of an organization.
06 Unilever Bangladesh Unilever Bangladesh does so many activities for the welfare of their
Ltd stakeholders and for entire society that they indirectly mention as CSR but
they belong no specific definition of CSR was found from them.
07 Sopura Silk Mills We work for humanity. On top of all the people, then everything. I see my
Rajshahi workers like my child. The first is the safety of their lives and property.
For the reason I am good when my children (Worker‟s) is good. There are
(Worker‟s) my assets, so I take care of them.
Source: BILS Case Study, July-September 2015

3.3 Dimensions of CSR

Dimension of CSR refers to the areas and scope of the application of CSR as a business tool. It
is generally observed that CSR includes three dimensions such as social, economic and
environmental. The European Commission Green Paper 2001 identifies two dimensions of
Page 23 of 71
CSR; (i) Internal Dimension; that includes human resource management, health and safety at
work, management of environmental impacts, and natural resources. (ii) External dimension;
that involves local communities, business partners, suppliers, consumers, human rights and
global environment.
On the basis of the analysis of 37 definitions of CSR developed in majority over the last 10
years, Alexandar Dahlsurd identifies five dimensions of CSR in a recent study. They are the
voluntary dimension, stakeholder dimension, economic dimension, social dimension and
environmental dimension (Dahlsurd 2008).
In terms of dimensions of CSR, Carroll‟s view concerning the different components of CSR is
relevant. He holds that CSR consists of four types of responsibilities. They are economic, legal,
ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities. Ethical responsibility refers to doing what is right and
just, fair and non-harmful; legal responsibility means to obey the law; economic responsibility
means to make the company‟s business profitable and philanthropic responsibility means that
company should be a good citizen in the society (Carroll 1991).
As far as the economic dimension of CSR is concerned, a company‟s goal should be to
contribute to economic improvement, preserving profitability and conducting its business
operation.
The best explanation of this can be found in Novak‟s seven sets of economic
responsibilities. These include: (1) to satisfy the customers with goods and services of
good quality and real value; (2) to earn a fair return on the funds generated by the
financiers and investors; (3) to create new wealth to „maximize social value‟ and help
the poor for their economic emancipation and also optimize efficiency by raising
wages of the employees; (4) to create new jobs; (5) to defeat envy through generating
increased mobility and giving people the sense that their economic conditions can
improve; (6) to multiply the economic interests of the citizens; and (7) to promote
innovation (Lantons 2001).

Moreover, in the light of the above discussions the social contents of a company‟s CSR agenda
cover a range of issues that may be divided into three clusters: (1) labour rights and practices;
(2) human rights; and (3) other social issues. Labour rights and practices include all core
labour standards and working conditions as recognized by the ILO Tripartite Declaration
concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and all other ILO Conventions and
Recommendations. The core labour rights include the freedom of association, the right of
collective bargaining, prohibition of forced and compulsory labour; abolition of child labour,
and a guarantee of acceptable working conditions (ILO 2000).

Page 24 of 71
From the findings of the study, it is very clear that most of the corporations emphasizes on these
three areas of responsibility more or less. Though they are working separately in a scattered way
but these dimensions are very clear from the reflection of their activities. It is observed that
Square Pharmaceuticals is committed to the improvement of the society as a whole, whereas
Unilever cherishes a very simple vision which just to make sustainable living commonplace for
all by CSR activities. Similarly the core visions of the other four organizations are found to be
focused on the employee wellbeing and social development for better life and sustainable
business of global standard.

3.4 Areas of CSR Activities in selected Corporations

All of the seven (07) organizations are performing various welfare and philanthropic activities
differently but not being well defined as CSR activities. Basically the core focus of their welfare
activities are reflected on the employees and companies benefits in one hand and in a large
extent the sustainable wellbeing of the environment of the entire society. Some of their CSR
related activities are presented below;

Table- CSR Activities in selected Corporations

Sl. No Name of Corporation Prevailing CSR Activities of the Corporations
01 Square SQUARE Pharma is doing so many CSR activities such health campaign,
Pharmaceuticals sponsoring of sporting, ensuring safe, healthy & employee friendly
workplace, loan facility, transports facilities, establishing school, roads
safety campaign, medical campaign and donation to hospital, colleges,
local community & underprivileged people. They also contribute NGOs
project for women empowerment. It is operating a fuel station named
“Eakub Filling Station” in pabna which is run by the women. Square
toiletries have already educated 1.5 million girls regarding adolescent
health & hygiene, ensuring a healthy future for 3.3 million babies and 1.6
million girls as part of CSR activities.
02 Navana Real Estate Navana performs various activities for society development, orphaned
development, Masque building, club establishment etc. Road mapping &
beatification initiative of Navana Real Estate is really appreciating. It
ensures compensation for employees. Navana Real Estate always censuses
of their workers. If any accident or injured to labour, then the company
gives them financial support for treatment.

03 Mohammadi Group The Company undertakes various motivational activities to improve human
Values, mutual understanding, interpersonal relationship and loyalty among
the officers and Employees. It also facilitate education for older workers,
entertainment and Sports for workers, Yearly Sports Event, Yearly Picnic,
Milad Mahfil for workers and Sharaf’er Pathshala‟s student. Prize
Distribution Ceremony, Educational supplies and uniforms are provided
free of cost. The Company had provided pure drinking water to the
Mohammadi Group‟s workers.Sharaf-er Pathshala of Mohammadi Group
that has been running since 2005 for the children of the workers.
04 Rahimafrooz Group Rahimafrooz Group is contributing in the following areas: Education,
Poverty, Alleviation, Environment and Transport. Rahimafrooz has
a pioneer role in supporting people distressed by natural calamities and

Page 25 of 71
 donations to helpless people on health and education ground– all are
examples of the socially responsive manner of our business. Rural Service
Foundation (RSF) also runs “Dhaka Project” which is home to some 500
urban underprivileged children, providing them with shelter, education,
food, clothing, and care. Through inclusion of 40 children every year from
families under the program, "Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation" (PKSF),
RSF Model School & College strives to expand in many areas of
Bangladesh in near future.

05 Janata Bank Janata Bank is putting importance on education, poverty alleviation,

environment and transport facilities. Janata Bank is contributing in many
more sectors towards entire national development with a mission to
establish Digital Bangladesh 2021. Janata Bank Limited, with its 904
branches has also realized its responsibilities to the society and is
contributing to the amelioration of the social life of the destitute people,
infra-structure, environment etc. Not only that, it has stepped forward to
introduce interest-free loans to the poor and marginal farmers in the Aila-
Sidr-Monga unit areas.
06 Unilever Bangladesh Unilever Bangladesh Ltd (UBL) would perform CSR as Lever Brothers
Bangladesh in past keeping focus on Health-nutrition-hygiene, Education
Ltd and Women Empowerment. They launched „ Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital‟
in 2002 and in 2006, they sponsored two months nursing training program
with Ma O Shishu General Hospital in Chattagong. They observed different
environment days like Pepsodent-Bangladesh Dental Society Oral Health
Day‟ and „Global Hand Washing Day‟. They worked with Shathee Samal
Kallayan Samity (SSKS) for giving education to Banani Slum children
since 2005. In 2006, UBL jointly funded „Unilever Chevening Scholarship‟
for Bangladesgi nationals to study in United Kindom universities. Over
10,000 people have cured by health camp out of which 5000 ailing mothers
and children received treatment and immunization, 4000 people received
diabetic medical assistance and free blood tests and 6000 patients received
free eye treatment. Since 2001, 275000 people have been helped by
Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital. UBL has been awarded from the Standard
Chartered Financial Express joint CSR recognition initiative for its
outstanding CSR contributions.
07 Sopura Silk Mills We started CSR activities when the „Sopura Silk mills‟ was started. We
Rajshahi conduct CSR activities by our every people. We work with there on a daily
basis. We want to improve the quality of their lives. We improve the
quality of their life, we have and we will have.
Source: BILS Case Study, July-September 2015

3.5 Target Beneficiaries and CSR Practices

The types of beneficiaries of most of the organizations were found approximately similar in
natures that are business, employee and society in broad aspects. They mostly emphasize on
their workers‟ or employees benefits mainly identifying them as Internal Beneficiary and
External Beneficiary. In wide aspects, the patterns of target group or beneficiaries are varied
based on volume of work and range of financial inclusion. As found by the study, the nature of
benefits both internal and external are presented below;

Page 26 of 71
 Table-Target Beneficiaries of CSR
Name of Type of Beneficiary and Benefits
Organization Internal Benefits External Benefits
Square Workers‟ happiness & Satisfaction, No Square Kindergarten & High School, Award
Pharmaceuticals Corruption, Handsome salary, On time salary like Gold Medal for higher education ex.
and increment, Bonus, Good working Students of Dhaka Medical College Hospital
environment, three times foods, and transport who secure first position, Housing &
facilities, Pick up and drops services for school Transportation facilities for employees,
going children of factory employees, Support ICDDR,B for research on Childhood
Prohibited child labor and Female workers not Diarrhea, Fund raising programs with Acid
allowed at night shifts, and employee skill Survivors Foundation, Different rural women
development training etc. empowerment projects with NGOs, Road
safety &Road shade campaign, and Different
health & awareness campaign, and Square
Herbal & Nutraceuticals Ltd has been
awarded the “Asia Responsible
Entrepreneurship Awards 2014-South Asia”
under Social Empowerment Award, etc.
Navana Real Workers‟ benefits are the first priority in As part of their external benefits, they donate
Estate Navana Real Estate. They take various orphanage, make Mosque, make club and
initiatives for the safety and security of the donate different organizations, Road
workers but they usually do not show. They beautification and Road mapping etc.
maintain good working environment for
workers, ensure safety and compensation
during incident, skill development training etc.
Mohammadi Their core importance is workers‟ wellbeing. As external benefits, it conducts educational
Group Free education for the workers‟ children and programmes at various level, ensures health
provide night schooling for domestic workers facilities and welfare for employees through
by „Sharaf‟er Pathshala‟. Initiate various medical centre and day care centres, free
training for skill development, education, transport facility for workers & employees
entertainment, sports and annual picnic for etc.
workers, free pure drinking water for
employees & workers, educational materials &
uniforms for students of Sharafer Pathshala
free of costs, and it maintains a standard
compensation policy in a role of law etc.
Rahimafrooz This is basically a private limited group of As CSR, it is contributing on Education,
Group company strives to add value to the society, its Poverty alleviation, Environment &
economy and environment through intelligent Transport areas. Rahimafrooz has a pioneer
efforts. Its CSR activities are more external role in supporting distressed people by
than internal. natural calamities, it also runs “Dhaka
Project” to provide home for 500 under
privileged children through providing shelter,
education, food, clothing and care. It also
focuses on driver safety, passenger safety,
road and pedestrian safety, and training of
the road safety professionals. They celebrate
different environment days and festivals, and
provide awards to the intelligent students.
Janata Bank As this is service oriented organization, it Janata Bank has realized its CSR as its
efforts to ensure service to its employees and responsibilities to the society and contributes
shareholders in all aspects of their operations. to the amelioration of the social life of
The range volume of CSR is more external destitute people, infrastructure and
than internal view. environment development etc. Since its
corporatization on 15th November 2007, it
has started its philanthropic acts. According
to the policy, CSR activities are performed in
the following areas; Education & Research,
Health & Treatment, Poverty Reduction &
Rehabilitation; Natural Calamity; History,
Page 27 of 71
 Culture, tradition and sports; and
Environment protection; and Expansion of
Information Technology etc.
Unilever As this is service oriented organization, it tries Unilever Bangladesh conducted their CSR as
Bangladesh Ltd to ensure service to the employees and Lever Brothers Bangladesh in past. They
customers through their operations. Their CSR basically focus on Health-nutrition-hygiene,
is more external than internal view. Education and Women Empowerment. They
launched „ Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital‟ in
2002 and in 2006, they sponsored two
months nursing training program with Ma O
Shishu General Hospital in Chattagong. In
November 16, 2007 Unilever announced „
Pepsodent-Bangladesh Dental Society Oral
Health Day‟ and launched „ Global Hand
Washing Day‟ on 15th October 2008. They
worked with Shathee Samal Kallayan Samity
(SSKS) for giving education to Banani Slum
children since 2005. In 2006, UBL jointly
funded „ Unilever Chevening Scholarship‟
for Bangladesgi nationals to study in United
Kindom universities. Over 10,000 people
have cured by health camp out of which
5000 ailing mothers and children received
treatment and immunization, 4000 people
received diabetic medical assistance and free
blood tests and 6000 patients received free
eye treatment. Since 2001, 275000 people
have been helped by Lifebuoy Friendship
Hospital.
Sopura Silk Provide training and appropriate work of disabled Child care, Spouse and elderly parent care,
people and women. We are stopping the begging Training for workers and officers, Training -
Mills Rajshahi and working for them. We motivated transgender helpless women, venerable people, disabled
and we promote opportunities and treatment for people, beggars, transgender, Treatment,
them. We give education costs for poor children.
We have worked for women development unto the
Primary education, higher education,
whole society. Our door is always open for Donation for treatment, education, and
employees. We are arranging monthly meeting for Financial help for family affairs.
solving employee‟s problem. Actually, we are very
much cooperative and assist the employee in
workplace so that they can do well. We ensure
maternity live. Workers enjoy 2 festival bonuses
and eight days leave.
Source: BILS Case Study, July-September 2015

3.6 CSR Activities in Workers Perspectives

Though the concept CSR is a very recently familiar word in global business dictionary, its
position in Bangladesh is relatively immature. With the passage of time, the scenario of CSR
activities both in production sectors and in service sectors have become more popular and well
known to the company owners and the workers or consumers. The position of CSR in the
organizations under study is not frustrating as they are performing quite well though exactly not
within the CSR identity. As stated, there is a direct scope of participation of workers in Square
Pharmaceuticals in terms of personal, social or environmental benefits and Sopura Silk Mills is
very workers‟ friendly for ensuring their every right within the limit. The other organizations are
doing different activities keeping main focus on the workers benefits. They all more or less
Page 28 of 71
evaluate the workers benefits through CSR activities though it is found to be rare in reality. In
recent times, it has been really increasing upward in terms of stakeholders‟ participation in all
types of CSR functions of the organizations that would be considered as the prior concern for
sustainable growth and development of business, and enhancement of social image of the
company in business world.

3.7 Nature of Trade Union in the Corporations under study

As reflected in the outcomes of the study, Trade Union is only existed in a good shape in Square
Pharmaceuticals and Unilever Bangladesh Ltd among seven (07) organizations sampled for data
collection. Though all the organizations have been performing so many activities closely similar
with the functions of trade union, but they have not formed trade union as a separate entity. It
obviously indicates the acute vulnerability of trade union in Bangladesh in terms of its existence.
In every corporation of industry, the formation or emergence of trade union greatly depends on
the number of workers or laborers. An estimated figure of number of workers and prevailing
condition of trade union of the six companies are presented below;
Table- Existence of Trade Union
Name of No. of Among Officer and Existence Others
Organization Officer/Management Workers of Trade
Level Union
Male Female Yes No
Square 3017 8200 1800 Yes
Pharmaceutical
Rahimafrooz 950 8000 20 No Representat
Group ive of
Workers
Mohammadi 550 3500 3500 No Workers
Group Participatio
n
Committee
Navana Real 300 960 40 No
Estate
Janata Bank 2246 1266 1480 Yes

Page 29 of 71
 Unilever 330 1160 70 Yes
Bangladesh
Sopura Silk 23 287 287 No
Mills Rajshahi
Source: BILS Case Study, July-September 2015

3.7.1. Views of Trade Union Leaders regarding CSR

The researchers tried to interview with some eminent leaders of trade unions held from different
organizations aiming to know their views regarding existing nature of CSR activities performed
their own or other organizations. The researchers also wanted to accumulate their feelings about
CSR and recommendation on the way to strengthen existing situation CSR and scope of
involvement of trade union leaders with the owners of the organizations. They put more
emphasis to gather their responses on the range of responsibility of state government in terms of
policy implication towards widening the CSR activities on a mandatory basis.
Table- Views of Trade Union Leaders regarding CSR
Nature of Response Name of Trade Union or Trade Union Leader
regarding CSR TU Leader: (Md. TULeader:(Md.Shirajul TU Leader: (Md. TU Leader: (Roy Romesh TU Leader:
Aktararuzzaman, Islam,General Delowar Hossen Chandra,President) (Md.Robiul
President) Secretary) Khan,General TU:United Federation of Karim,
Org:Unilever BD, Org: Janata Bank Ltd, Secretary) Garment Workers, President)
TU:Unilever TU:Janata Bank TU:Bangladesh Org:Square
Employees Union, Gonotantrik Workers Labour Federation, Pharmaceuticals,
Union, TU:Square
Employees
Union,
(1) Idea about CSR Yes, Moderate Yes, poor conception Idea not clear or Yes, Very clear and vast Found un-
Idea well known idea intended
/unwilling to
response about
CSR.
(2)Involvement No involvement No involvement No involvement No direct involvement but Not Applicable
with CSR we are trying to campaign
for CSR.
(3)What does he or Tree plantation, Health campaign, CSR indicates CSR works for People, Not Applicable
his organization stipend, floating stipend, and funding for Activities regarding Planet and Profit. He also
treat as CSR? health camp and freedom fighter family education and means labour wages, safe
dental care, Road etc. health. working place, social
construction etc. security during job and on
retirement, financial security
of the workers and their
family and better working
environment.
(4)How does CSR By management By „Board of Directors‟ TU has no control or TU has no relation or Not Applicable
happen in level decision, level decision, they affiliation on CSR. affiliation with CSR. People
Organization? they never never approach TU But we want to work have no idea about CSR. We
approach TU leaders to be involved. for CSR with try to campaign both
leaders to be organizations. national and international
involved or shared level. But we want to work
anything. for CSR with organizations
for betterment.
(5)Answer about He replied very He emphasized on As he replied there He said that mandatorily Not Applicable
Page 30 of 71
separate CSR positive and separate CSR division should have an there should have a separate
division and emphasized on so that they could autonomous working CSR division and annual
Annual Budget of these two issues function smoothly. He division and annual budget.
the Organization. for better function also said that there budget for CSR.
of CSR. should have an annual
budget for CSR sector.
(6)Response about As him workers As he responded, He said that CSR is He said that CSR should be Not Applicable
volume of workers are not benefitted workers are benefitted still not workers more focused on workers
participation & by CSR and even by CSR during family friendly. It needs to interests. Every organization
benefits. their families. He needs like weeding, be more functional should ensure workers
said “develop and treatment and other and wide. The participation and good
train the workers, emergencies. He also existing way of CSR working environment.
change the added that CSR may be is not perfectly
organization and signified through more effective for workers
country‟ by CSR. contribution for the benefits.
needy and poor people
of the society.
(7)Response Currently no There is no relation or There is no relation No, CSR is not included Not Applicable
regarding interrelation rule Trade Union on or rule between with Trade Union. And even
interdependency between CSR and CSR but it should have. Trade Union and still no request sent to the
between CSR and Trade Union but it He said, the CSR. Many authority from TU to
Trade Union. should have. CSR management level organizations include them in CSR
should be authority should perform CSR activities. The TU leaders
implemented approach them to activities but the are not well conversant
through the involve in CSR authority never about CSR.
sharing with TU activities but they will discuss with TU
leaders by CBA. never propose. leaders about CSR.
If management
does alone, that
would be donation
or charity instead
of CSR.
(8)Their own So far he could He said that the concern He is not satisfied As he replied, he is not Not Applicable
recommendation realize, CSR is a authority of CSR needs with the existing satisfied with the present
for CSR future good venture of to be more sincere, CSR activities as status of CSR different
development the organization. systematic and people only a few organizations. He said that
It should be more friendly so that they organizations are only a few organizations are
systematic. could reach the target doing this. All of the doing CSR functions
beneficiaries. organizations should whereas they all should do.
perform this being These are not CSR in fact
part of their what the organizations are
business, He also doing except charity or
added that CSR philanthropy, he added. He
activities should be told that we did not
held through the approach to the owners to be
equal participation involved as CSR issue is not
of the owners and well known to us yet.
workers coalition
and trade union as
well.
(9)Opinion on He said that He was found unhappy He said that it is He believes that CSR should Not Applicable
Policy Implication “Everything is with the present more rational for TU existed within all
possible if situation of CSR to be involved with organizations mandatory
government activities. He expressed CSR functions as it basis. There is a huge
wants”. It is very that there should have a relates workers. He options for the TU leaders to
easy for good policy for CSR also added that it smoothen CSR with the
government to that the organizations should be prioritized concern authority just to
mandatory CSR could abide by during to aware people make it more workers
activities for the function. regarding CSR friendly. He said that
organization with through seminar, government should have
the association of round table meeting, some set policy so that the
TU by talk show, advertise organizations could follow.
formulating a in different media so He said that I claimed for
specific policy. that they could the involvement of trade
expect for its union in CSR activities
benefits. nationwide through BILS.

(10) Opinion about He strongly It needs to aware people TU and CSR work It needs to do more Not Applicable
involvement of TU emphasized on the and activate through for workers benefits. campaign to aware people
with CSR. TU involvement formulating and So, there should be a about CSR. TU needs to be
through a implementing a policy. good relation actively functional with
Page 31 of 71
 compromising TU should be functional between the two. CSR activities.
process. in CSR activities.
Source: BILS Case Study, July-September 2015

3.8. CSR and UNGC Affiliation

In the study, there was an intention to know how the companies or organizations are being
affiliated with national and international bodies of welfare activities or CSR concern such as
United Nations Global Compact. So far it has been observed, the corporations or organizations
are conducting various activities that are helpful for the workers, stakeholders and consumers or
for the businesses in a long run. But most of them are doing these functions being compassionate
or being kind sometimes rather professionally identifying as CSR activities. The current status
of seven (07) organizations in terms of their professional affiliation with United Nations Global
Compact (UNGC) as a signatory is presented below;
Table- CSR and status with UNGC Affiliation
SL.No Name of Corporation UNGC Signatory
YES NO
01 Square Pharmaceuticals Yes
02 Rahimafrooz Group Yes
03 Mohammadi Group No
04 Navana Real Estate No
05 Janata Bank No
06 Unilever Bangladesh No
07 Sopura Silk Mills Rajshahi Yes
Source: BILS Case Study, July-August 2015
3.9 Organizational Strengths in CSR Practices
It is well noted that to conduct CSR functions properly, every company should have a separate
administrative wing or division. Major findings of the study reflect that there is a huge
conceptual as well contextual gape about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among the
owners, investors and even in the formulators of the relevant legislations let alone the workers or
employees in Bangladesh. It is seen that no autonomous administrative wing or separate division
particularly responsible for CSR activities are found in the organizations under study, which is
one of their top most drawbacks in terms of effective and professional performance of CSR.
Table-Organizational Strengths in CSR Practices
SL.No Name of Corporation Existence of Distinct CSR division

Page 32 of 71
 YES NO
01 Square Pharmaceuticals No
02 Rahimafrooz Group No
03 Mohammadi Group No
04 Navana Real Estate No
05 Janata Bank Ltd Yes
06 Unilever Bangladesh No
07 Sopura Silk Mills Rajshahi No
Source: BILS Case Study, July-August 2015

3.10 Economic Perspectives of CSR

It is generally realized that most of the organizations are doing CSR activities simply from their
charity or philanthropic view rather considering its worth in terms of Organizational Financial
benefits or financial benefits of the Consumers; Financial benefits of Workers or Financial
benefits of the Society. From the responses of the organizations, it is found that they are not still
nicely planned on their CSR performances though they are doing a lot. They are trying to ensure
the workers‟ benefits through facilitating them good working environment, handsome salary
timely, safety and security of job and so on. Similarly they are conducting various activities for
social and environmental sustainability and development which reflect no organizational
financial benefits shortly but it might have a long term business profit. Actually direct financial
benefits from CSR for the organizations is not desired as this is considered as non-refundable
investment of business but it provides the companies huge non material benefits such as
enhancement of social image and global fame with sustainability. However, financial benefits of
CSR for organization itself, consumers or workers and even for society are not apparently
defined as the authority does this as their own wish. As found from the study, it is clear that the
amount of investment for CSR activities of the companies is not fixed and pre-declared rather it
depends on the wish of higher authority.

Figure: Economic Paradigm of Bangladesh

Page 33 of 71
 The Current Economic Picture, are Described in the form of pyramid

41 Million
Richest
people

70 Million
Upper middle
class people

1 Billion Middle
Class
2 Billion 54 Million Lower
Middle Class

9 Billion 89 Million Absolute

Poor
5 Billion 75 Million Extremely
Poor People

Source: Janata Bank’s Five Years Corporate Social Responsibility (2009-2013)

Chapter-Four

4.0 Introduction
In this part of study, the CSR research team of BILS had put effort to interview some prominent
persons who are well known about CSR scenario and way of practices in Bangladesh aiming to
accumulate their thoughts regarding the issue. The researchers had discussed with social elites,
owners and investors of different corporations, think tanks, trade union leaders and higher
authority of the relevant research organizations of Bangladesh who are thought to be very
influential and right persons in terms of policy implication in national level of CSR as ‘Expert
Opinion’. For far more understanding on CSR, comments and ideas of the esteem scholars
summarily presented below:

Expert Opinion-One (01)

Name of the Respondent: Professor Dr. Abul Barakat
Designation: Eminent Economist and Ex-Chairman, Janata Bank Ltd, Bangladesh
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The BILS CSR research team contacted with Professor Dr. Abul Barakat, Eminent Economist
and Honorable Ex-Chairman of Janata Bank Ltd to get his opinion regarding current status and
prospects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Bangladesh during the study. In the

Page 34 of 71
inception of his talk he said that „There must have a National Level Policy for CSR‟. Bangladesh
Bank has a policy that is effective of the banks only. Prof. Barakat added that there should have
a prior discussion with the investors and owners regarding the amount of their profit from
business to spend in CSR sector. And the total CSR budget would be divided into sub sectors
such as Workers benefits, Education, Health, Social and Environmental development etc. In fact,
company owners consent is very important in case of formulating any policy or CSR Guideline.
He quoted the contribution in CSR sector of Janata Bank during his tenure very positively. The
budgeted CSR amount of Janata Bank was increased up to BDT 30 Crore from BDT 1 Crore
under his Chairmanship, which is now functioning after his departure as he said. The then
authority had published a large volume of book on their CSR activities which is completely
distinct and rare in similar field. He promptly noted that CSR should not be functional by any
individual rather it should be by the corporation. Its activities will remain continuing in case of
concern personnel changes within the fixed budget and sectors.
In response to a question about the inclusion of Trade Union in function of CSR, he said that “it
would not be wise to include or merge trade union with CSR activities as our trade union leaders
are mostly politically biased and always try to protect the interests of the owners and the
government”. The trade union leaders need to change their ideology, control greediness and
concentrate on the interests of the workers and be more transparent then they could be thought to
involve with CSR functions of the corporations. In his last point, he said that BILS could take
some measures to aware and motivates the workers, stakeholders, owners and the trade union
representatives through a comprehensive manner.
One of his scholarly quotations needs to be mentioned here “Every business
institution targets for profit and follow most effective and functional strategic policy
to heighten profit. But this profit appears to be meaningless throughout the poverty
and discrimination driven world if they fail to become its partial beneficiary. It has
been already proved that percentile investment of the profit in the development of
Education, Health, Science and Technology and Human Development impacts on the
positive development and growth of the society. These types of financial distribution
and redistribution process among the poor, deprived and vulnerable people for their
socio-economic and cultural change and development are treated as Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR)”.

Expert Opinion-Two (02)

Name of the Respondent: Ms. Shahamin S Zaman
Designation: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Name of Organization: CSR Centre, Bangladesh
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Page 35 of 71
“CSR is about achieving organizational excellence in ways that honor ethical values and
respect to People, Communities and the natural environment” replied while she was asked for
her opinion about CSR at the beginning of interview. Ms. Zaman said this is basically a kind of
voluntary work but we try to frame it out systematically. Since its inception in August 2007as a
Trust, under the Trust Act 1882 as an autonomous CSR Centre and a non-profit organization, the
primary objective of the CSR Centre is to become the prime source of information, resources,
and advisory services on CSR in Bangladesh. The primary operational principal is to contribute
to achieving development targets set in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in
Bangladesh through private sector led growth. She also added that already we have made a
guideline and sent to the Ministry. Regarding trade union involvement she said that the owners
basically are bit scared of trade unions involvement as workers even do not want this, so how
come trade union could get involved and monitor the CSR activities of the corporations. Since
its inception, the CSR Centre has been conducting basically advocacy service on CSR both
national and international levels.

Expert Opinion-Three (03)

Name of the Respondent: Mr. Hasibur Rahman
Designation: Executive Director (ED)
Name of Organization: Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI), Dhaka,
Bangladesh
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In his views with the research team, Mr. Rahman said “the amount expensed by the company
from its profit is treated as CSR. This is not mandatory. Companies do activities for human
wellbeing as their own wish”. It would be more effective if it is possible to take steps for the
livelihood development of the workers by CSR he added. He also submitted his proposition to
BILS that “If a Training Centre could be opened by CSR for garment workers fully free of costs
with residential facilities just to train up the interested persons, which will reduce the wastage of
garment accessories during their novice period and would help them to get standard wages
without any plea from the owners. And it will reduce the tendency to pay them minimum wages
because of their lack of skills”. He emphasized on the workers benefits through CSR activation
process.

Expert Opinion (Owner’s View) -Four (04)

Name of the Respondent: Ms. Rubana Huq
Page 36 of 71
Designation: Managing Director
Name of Organization: Mohammadi Group, Lotus Kamal Tower-One, 9th Floor, Nikunja-02, Dhaka-1229
Type of Organization: Readymade Garment
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The research team had an appointment with Ms. Huq and requested for her kind consent and
comment regarding CSR activities and relevant issues of their group performs. She filled up the
questionnaire and sent it to the research team due to time constraints. She stated that
Mohammadi Group strives to support the development and betterment of the employees through
various CSR activities. Currently they are doing the following activities; free education, awards
and scholarships to the exceptional students, childcare, financial help to the workers for their
family affairs, interest free loans, internal and external medical facilities, incentives and
recognition to their old employees etc. Mohammadi Group conducts its CSR activities by
nominating people within the factories that work on CSR activities on a daily basis. They always
consider the workers as the target beneficiaries under CSR activities. Basically they provide two
types of benefits under CSR such as Internal Benefits; Child Care, Loan without interest and
Recruit disabled workers and as External Benefits; Free education and Medical Facilities etc.
She importantly highlighted that they CSR activities for the development and safety of their
worker s through safety, job security and endless opportunities to better livelihoods. It was
found very clear that she is well convergent about the national legal framework and international
CSR instruments like UNGS, ISO 26000, OECD Guidelines and ILO etc. Ms. Huq pioneers
herself all CSR projects of her group with a separate administrative body for each factory. As
aforementioned, Mohammadi Group is constantly trying to their CSR efforts with a broad plan
following:
(a) Low cost housing for workers; They have already bought the land in which they will
provide low cost housing for workers. The land allocated for this project is in close to
our new factory in Bangla Bazar.
(b) Low cost open market for employee.
(c) Clinic with Operation Theatre.
(d) Prayer Centre.

She mentioned that workers‟ participation is still not widely practiced in CSR activities in her
group. She also said that it will take time to incorporate Trade Union with CSR. They utilized
their allocated CSR funds fully to the development for workers. Finally she appreciated the
effort rendered by BILS.

Expert Opinion (Owner’s View) -Five (05)

Name of Respondent : Alhaj Md. Sadar Ali
Page 37 of 71
Position : Managing Director
Name of the Company : Sopura Silk Mills Ltd
Registered Address details : B-74, Bscic Industrial Estate, Sopure, Rajshahi, BD
Type of organization : Silk Mills
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In response to the various questions over phone Mr. Sadar Ali provided the following
information with his comment regarding CSR. Sopura Silk Mills Rajshahi was established in
the year 1986. They are the manufacturers of 100% Pure Silk Fabrics Made -Ups & Garments
for both Men and Ladies with sophisticated advance technology. He said that employee
management relationship is a process that companies use to effectively manage all interactions
with employees, ultimately to achieve the goals of the organization under CSR functions.
We started CSR activities when the „Sopura Silk mills‟ was started. We conduct CSR activities
by our every people. We work with there on a daily basis. We want to improve the quality of
their lives. We improve the quality of their life, we have and we will have.

As he stated “We work for humanity. I see my workers like my child. The first is the
safety of their lives and property. For the reason I am good when my children
(Worker‟s) is good. There are (Worker‟s) my assets, so I take care of them”.

As Internal Benefits we provide training and appropriate work of disabled people and women.
We are stopping the begging and working for them. We motivated transgender and we promote
opportunities and treatment for them. We give education costs for poor children. We have
worked for women development unto the whole society. Our door is always open for employees.
We are arranging monthly meeting for solving employee‟s problem. Actually, we are very much
cooperative and assist the employee in workplace so that they can do well. We ensure maternity
live. Workers enjoy 2 festival bonuses and eight days leave. As External Benefits, Child care,
Spouse and elderly parent care, Training for workers and officers, Training - helpless women,
venerable people, disabled people, beggars, transgender, Treatment, Primary education, higher
education, Donation for treatment, education, and Financial help for family affairs.
They ensure Flexible work schedules (flextime / telecommuting), Quality of work life programs,
Ability to work from home, Compressed workweek, Job-Sharing (a special type of part time
work), Child care and elder care support, Part time work, Reduced work load, Quality of work
life programs, Employee/Management committees, Organization initiatives, Modern methods of
training on the job, Modern methods of supervision, Drive out fear, so that everyone may work
effectively for the company etc within the CSR conducts.

Page 38 of 71
He also said that their prevention programs take many forms; they include redesigning jobs to
diminish hazardous conditions, conducting safety training programs even offering pay bonuses
for good safety records. There are three areas of protection level. Those are: a) Safety Hazard,
b) Health Hazard and c) Co-Workers Hazard. They try to do many welfare activities for the
workers but the CSR concept is still found malfunctioned in terms within the Sopura Silk Mills
Rajshahi. Lastly, Mr. Sadar Ali said that we maintain The Ten Principles of the UN Global
Compact, ILO guidelines, and Labor laws. Currently we do not have any separate wing or
division for CSR, our management take care of CSR functions.

Expert Opinion (Policy Maker) -Six (06)

Name of Respondent : Shirin Akter, MP
Name of the Tread Union : Kormojibi Nari (Working women).
Designation : Founder President.
…………………………..............................................................................
The researcher took her appointment and approached regarding her comments on CSR issues of
Bangladesh. Ms. Akter, honorable Member of Parliament, The People‟s Republic of Bangladesh
told the research team to explain her about CSR, simply mentioning that she had a very little idea
on it. She moreover added that CSR is still a closely unfamiliar issue even in the business sector
of Bangladesh. In the response to a question, she replied that she is not satisfied with the existing
process of CSR. Most of the people specially, the organization‟s owners think financial help to
the poor people, make Masque; make Madrasah, help orphans is kind of CSR whereas these are
social work. But when I say, „Corporate Responsibility‟ then comes overall development of the
society. Personally I think, firstly take an initiative to develop forceless people. It‟s a very
important need to develop, enable to underprivileged. In this case, need a long term events by
CSR. There are programs, such as women empowerment, women‟s training and development, to
ensure the rights of the child, needs to elderly people, beautiful living arrangements, and youth
employment opportunities, CSR can be seen through these, she added.
She also said that Trade Union is not included with CSR activities so far I know. Its need to be
included everywhere not only with CSR but also business or workplace. When organization takes
Page 39 of 71
events need to ensure workers representative. In the same way, ensure workers representative for
CSR activities. CSR is still an unknown issue in mass people, so it needs to be published to
general people. She quoted that “Any business cannot be above Social Responsibility”, just need
to campaign it. They have to bind for responsibility, Trade Union look after this always. Trade
Union could definitely play a pivotal role in terms of properly activating CSR functions with the
owners ensuring more participation of workers.

Chapter-Five

5.0 Major Challenges on the Way of CSR in Bangladesh

Bangladesh still has ample of opportunities for social change and development through
sustainable economic growth being one of the developing countries of the world. Similarly it has
so many complexities and burdens in front to face towards the entire path of development. The
fullest nationwide activation of CSR by the concern organizations like corporate houses both
national and international, banks, RMGs and different well reputed companies could have been
the pioneering step in terms of social and economic development of country whereas CSR is still
in transition in Bangladesh. CSR in our country could not achieve its professional organizational
status because of lack of willingness and insufficient knowledge among the owners and
investors of various companies. Over the last couple of years the concept of CSR among the
organizations‟ authority has become familiar as matter of interest and responsibility of their
business for the society in some cases. The overall performance of CSR activities in banking
sector had flourished compared to the other corporate areas after the initiatives taken by
Bangladesh Bank (BB) in 2008 due to formalize CSR in the country‟s banking sectors through
issuing a detailed directive titled “Mainstreaming Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in
banks and financial institutions in Bangladesh”. Such drives is highly appreciated and
anticipated in the rest of the corporate areas for the bets utilization of monetary budget of them

Page 40 of 71
present used as charity or welfare funds for the society. Some limitations are found on the way
to out shining and perfect implementation of CSR activities are pointed out here;
 In Bangladesh, CSR is still not in the prior factors of social development because of
weak status in policy implications in one hand and adversely of its good connection to
corporate philanthropy and social compliance on the other.
 As known from the study, still many of the investors of the companies consider CSR
simply as aiding society and there is no benefit to their organization bottom line. There
are a lot of misconceptions and do not hold accurate on any proper scrutiny.
 There is no generally agreed definition of CSR in Bangladesh; this lack of clarity is a
stumbling block to the way of starting monitor, measure and evaluates the
effectiveness of CSR expenditures in social development in most of the cases.
 Among many limitations, lack of proper coordination within the concern authorities,
strategic development and improper step to mainstreaming CSR into the corporate life
of the companies are on the priority list.
 There is a huge crisis of efficient employees in the companies of proper understanding
in both conceptual and contextual aspects of CSR and appreciation of its purposes,
goals and objectives, application of appropriate skills, and demonstration of priorities
etc by using organizational ability and business knowledge in Bangladesh.
 Though CSR is essentially about long term sustainability of a company but here it is all
about what company authorities do on a voluntary basis, just simply going beyond their
compliance with existing legislation.
 It is a well noted limitation that the trade unionism is relatively poor in the RMG sector
of Bangladesh which partially causes from ineffective practice of CSR activities. In
most of the garment factories, the owners were not seen to have positive attitude
towards the culture of trade union in the RMG industries. Hence, the trade unionism
should necessarily be upheld in the aforementioned sectors just to reduce the existing
malpractice of the term CSR in Bangladesh. The acute shortage of the exercise of the
trade union and CSR activities is the premier cause of the labor unrest within the RMG
sector and imbalanced relationship with the owners.

5.1 Some Recommended Suggestions for CSR;

The discourse on CSR practices in Bangladesh is relatively new but not as the concept itself. It
is bit tricky to overlook CSR activities and its standard in particular to the export sector of our
country. In generally true in Bangladesh, the existing practices of CSR, Trade Union and Labor
Page 41 of 71
Rights in term of sustainable environmental management and lucidity in corporate sectors are
not satisfactory, because of low enforcement of present relevant legislations and insignificant
pressure held from the social elite and interest groups like Consumer associations. Now in
business trade the global focus is largely concentrated on CSR activities in connection with the
benefits of companies themselves and the wellbeing of the stakeholders. A wide visionary and
meticulous concentration on CSR might be very constructive and empirically useful for
developing corporate good governance, labor rights, safety and security in workplace, just
treatment of workers and other beneficiaries, community development and environmental
management, and definitely contribute to industrialization and enhance global market access.
Beside CSR, the importance of trade union in corporate sectors especially for readymade
garments industry is in priority due to ensuring better working environment and creating good
relationship between the workers and the owners. From the justification on the recent scenario of
CSR and trade union activities and practices have been found much improved than previous
couples of years, which definitely makes us dream of a sustainable and workers friendly
business era.
In banks and financial institutions in Bangladesh, it would be opt, strategic, lasting competitive
benefits to wrap up CSR in their organizational approaches and executions. Moreover, in case of
incorporation of any practices that held to be socially and environmentally responsible in own
internal activities, the financial institutions and banks both can make major CSR contribution
through ensuring financial inclusion of the disadvantaged and vulnerable group of rural and
urban people; provide them more reasonable and appropriate financial service packages and
sponsoring programs planned to breed new employment opportunities, more output and
earnings.
The following could be some priority areas of recommendations for upgrading the present
scenario of CSR and trade unionism in the company in particular readymade garment industry
mainly emphasizing on the more participation and involvement of the workers:

 At the inception of any activities in the name of CSR, there should have a precise and
suitable sector wise definition of CSR by the state initiative which must have to be
validated by regular state laws and properly circulated among the related concerns.
 The company or organization should pay attention to establish or form a completely
autonomous authority body or working division for CSR activities with full
responsibility which will produce anticipated outcomes related to the wellbeing of the
company and even for the workers.

Page 42 of 71
 In this regard, for accurate and effective practice of CSR, the concern companies or the
readymade garment industry may recruit their required officers and staff for CSR
division giving highest priority of merit, honesty and respect for diversity and previous
experience.
 CSR activities may be well practiced through developing a dynamic workforce and
working culture that demonstrates respect each other, openness and fairness, and
encourages diversity and equality in terms of benefits of the stakeholders.
 Through CSR practices, workers‟ sound health, safety and security in workplace and
wellbeing for the surrounding people may be ensured.
 The companies can implement and utilizes CSR to improve participation and ownership
of the workers that will obviously enhance the service and quality of outcome of the
company.
 CSR of the different corporate houses, national and multinational companies, banks and
readymade garments may increase public safety and security through contributing social
and environmental changes and development.
 Since Bangladesh is facing several problems such as acute vulnerability of disadvantaged
group of children, aged, drug addicted and mentally retarded people in the nock and
corners; the CSR activities may be well planned to establish baby home, old home,
therapy and vocational training centers, preventive, curative and rehabilitation centre for
the disadvantaged people in a organized and sustainable manner that will help to change
and develop our national scenario.
 In all job sectors especially in the readymade garment sectors, the figure of female
employee is big as they are thought to be low waged and work hard and sincerely. The
female workers do really hard work leaving their family and small child in far for long
time. Here CSR may be utilized to set up day care centres that will reduce the workers‟
tension in one hand and benefit the company in the other hand.
 CSR may be used to human resources management and development practices; health,
safety and environmental practices at work place; assessing, increasing and adapting the
social and environmental impact of a company; maintaining business ethics and codes;
initiate employee skill development programme and keeping product standard and
responsibility as internal dimension of the organizations.
 Moreover, as external dimensions change, CSR may be contributed to incorporate local
communities through development programmes; donations and contributions to Civil
Society Organizations; Supply Chain management; Educational programmes at various

Page 43 of 71
 levels; Cluster Development; business, partners, suppliers and consumers, human rights
and global environmental concerns etc.

5.2 Concrete Recommendations for Trade Union to Way Forward

Over the last couple of decades, numerous trade unions have been developed into various
forms through the influence of different political and economic regimes. It is thought that
the trade union leaders do bargain with the employers in favor of union members and the
workers. But still this process has not yet been established within the industry setting
because of sufficient knowledge and willingness of the owners and the leaders. As this
type of labor associations are not widely recognized and well accepted respectively by the
state and the companies, the functions of the trade unions existed in different companies
or readymade garments rationally appears to be tough. Henceforth, there are a lot of
functions for the trade union to perform such as negotiation of wages, work rules,
complaint procedures, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits,
workplace safety and policies.
Some general recommendations may be approved for the recognition and effective
functions of the trade unions associated by the workers especially in the garments sectors
in Bangladesh which are following;

 For better working environment and congenial atmosphere, trade union needs to be
established in a priority basis within the corporate particularly in the readymade
garments sectors which will reduce the unrest situation of the industry through the
continuous ventilation of the workers grievances.
 As trade union representatives act as the mediator of any problems or issues emerged
between the both parties workers and the owners through necessary discussions in the
Page 44 of 71
 well set companies in global business arena, so a drastic and comprehensive initiative on
behalf of state to establish trade union in all companies mandatorily through the
implementation of legislations.
 Some awareness campaign nationally compulsorily be conducted towards more
familiarizing and spreading the ideas as well as significance of trade union highlighting
its necessity in case of workers benefits and company wellbeing in long run, which will
definitely increase the existing back warded situation of trade union.
 The generally known concept of trade union in Bangladesh is not comfortable to all
because most of the trade unions naturally become politicized and biased by different
interest groups that lessen the trustworthiness and importance of trade union among the
public and even in the workers as well investors groups.
 As the workers are bound to do maximum hours in the work place because of the
pressure and bindings from the authority, they do not have sufficient time to be gathered
and form association for ensuring their rights that they suppose to get in case of unmet.

 Over lasts few years, there were so many labor unrests happened in different
readymade garments but role of trade union was seen all most invisible in terms of
their influence over the owners, laborers and government authorities. It happens
because of their poor institutional recognition and formal power of attorney to play
role actively. That is why the trade unions that are already existed and new formed
trade unions should be established on the strong official base and recognized by
the company owners and the workers as well.

 Trade Union is a platform to uphold the rights of the workers with the investors or the
owners. But in the readymade garments industries, the scenario of trade union is mostly
different and inactive. So it should be properly evaluated and monitored by the concern
authority.
 The industry authority and the owners should be very positive to accept the emergence of
trade union because of their company interest not for the workers benefit only, and then
the activities of the trade union might be expanded rapidly.

 The trade union may extend the provision of professional training, legal advice
and representation for its members and trade unions may promote legislation
favorable to the interests of their members or workers as a whole.

Page 45 of 71
 Chapter-Six

6.0 Concluding Remark

In Bangladesh, there are so many problems in the corporations, banking sectors, national and
multinational companies, within the NGOs and GOs, and prior to the readymade garment
industries that continuously impede the regular functions of these organizations and hampers the
national development in terms of financial, social, cultural and environmental and so on. The
biggest revenue earners export sectors is readymade garments industry but it exists numerous
internal and external crisis issues.
Moreover, there is a huge policy level and functional difference of our readymade garments
industry in comparison to the same trade of Europe and USA on the basis of infrastructure, used
machineries, and technologies as well as rights of workers as human rights. Bangladesh is still
far behind of the developed countries in the area of readymade garments industry though it
recently has been appeared to be the crucial income generating sectors of national revenue.

There are many opinions and suggestions made by both national and foreign initiators, investors
and donors of these sectors to develop the infrastructure of the industry and enhance the workers
facilities and benefits as human being they deserve for sustainable business by incorporating
CSR and establishing trade unions. In recent time, these two concepts have been improved
among the owners and stakeholders as the aftermath of some rampant incidents in garments
industry collapse like Tajrin Fashion and Rana Plaza at Savar area near Dhaka City.

Page 46 of 71
In the study, total seven (07) organizations from different trades were surveyed for clear
understanding about workers participation in CSR activities and benefits. The results found from
the organizations are not held satisfactory in case of their CSR performance and workers‟
participation. Most of the organizations are conducting CSR activities as their own wish in lieu
of any set rules or CSR policy that are simply happing as charity. The company owners and
executive authorities should be aware and willing to establish and activate CSR for their own
institutional long lasting benefits let alone the workers wellbeing. If they start thinking their own
betterment first they will be more interested to effectively conduct CSR activities to increase
their existing image of their business in business world. Similarly there is a huge responsibility
of the government to improve CSR condition nationally in policy level. State government could
definitely play a very vital role to motivate and pressurize the companies to implement CSR
activities for ensuring the workers benefit and the benefits of the companies themselves through
formulating policy and executing necessary legislations.
At the end, it is generously expressed that CSR activities should be considered and implemented
as the prior concern of workers‟ benefits firstly and which must be held through their active
participation and belongingness rather doing all other social activities. CSR can perform a
significant role to develop micro economic of this country whereas approximately 4% (40 lac)
labour force involve in 40 % export readymade garment industries. The rest of the 96% people
keep a marginal contribution in macro economic data where CSR has a scope to create job fields
for them. It should be mandatorily happened especially in the readymade garment industry
sectors as because there are working a huge number of workers who lead a very misery and
vulnerable livelihood. Massive workers participation in both trade union and CSR activities can
widely impact on the change and development of business image like the developed countries.

Page 47 of 71
 References

1. Sustainability Reporting Guideline (www.globalreporting.org, [email protected]).

2. CSR definition of Lotus
Holdings).https://www.unglobalcompact.org/system/attachments/11635/original/GlobalCompact
-LH.pdf?1313480098
3. Professor (Dr) M Alimullah Miyan, Vice Chancellor & Founder of IUBAT – International
University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
http://www.researchsea.com/html/download.php/id/57/research/Dynamics_of_CSR.doc?PHPSE
SSID=5idoocjkitqqlp5p1pbgcaheg2)
4. Chowdhury, Shitangshu Kumar, MRDI, CSR Review.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategic objectives taken for the Metropolitan Police
Service for 2010 to 2013 UK.
6. http://www.csrcentre-bd.org/
7. Libcom (2006), Garment Workers revolt in Bangladesh. Available from:
http://libcom.org/news/article.php/bangladesh-garment-revolt-140706.(Accessed on 02th june
2007.
8. Rahman, Dr. Atiur,. (2013). Evolution of CSR in Bangladesh and Future Challenges, CSR
REVIEW, VOL-10, March 2013
9. Khan, S. (2007). Multiple factors blamed for sluggish RMG sector. Available from:
http://www.thedailystar.net/pf_story.php?nid=6004 [Accessed 12th June 2008].

Page 48 of 71
10.Tamanna, Urmi (2010), Labor Unrest in Bangladesh RMG Sector: Does Active Labor Union
Reduce the Risk of Labor Unrest in RMG Sector? Dissertation, Institute of Governance Studies
BRAC University, Dhaka, November 2010
11. Newstrom J.W. and Davis Keith (2004), Organizational Behavior, Human Behavior at Work
(11th Edition), Tata Mcgraw- Hill Co. Ltd. New Delhi, pp.187-200.
12. United Nations (2010).Compact Overview of the UN Global
Chttps://www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/mission/principles accessed on 29/07/2015 at
16.54pm).
13. Bechetti, L., Ciciretti, R., & Hasan. I. (2009). Corporate Social Responsibility and
Shareholder‟s value: An event study analysis (Discussion Paper no. 1/2009). Bank of Finland
Financial Market & Macroeconomics Discussions Papers.
14. A. Mess and J Bohman, „Corporate Social Responsibility Belongs with HR‟ (2004) 17:7
Canadian HR Reporter (A National Journal of Human Resource Management) 11
15. Nasrullah.N.M, & Rahim.M.M (2014)., CSR in Private Enterprises in Developing Countries-
Evidences from the Ready-Made Garments Industry in Bangladesh, Springer International
Publishing Switzerland, ISBN-978-3-319-02349-6.
16. European Commission, Green Paper: Promoting a European Framework for Corporate
Social Responsibility (2001) http://www.europa.eu.int 5 July 2007
17. Alexander Dahlsrud, „How Corporate Social Responsibility is Defined: An Analysis of 37
Definitions‟ (2008) 15: 1 Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental management, 1, 8-
11
18. A B Carroll, The Pyramid of Corporate Social Responsibility: Toward the Moral
Management of Organizational Stakeholders‟ (1991) 34:4 Business Horizons 39, 40, 41
19. G P Lantons, „The Boundaries of Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility‟ (2001) 18: 7
Journal of Consumer Marketing 595, 597. 36 Carroll, above n 28, 39-41
20. ILO, Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social
Policy (1977, revised 2000) http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment 4 September 2007.
21. Chowdhury, Amena and Denecke, Hanna, „A Comparative analysis between the Bangladesh
Labour Law 2006 and Seven General Codes of Conduct‟ (Working Paper no.6, Bangladesh
German Development Cooperation-GTZ, 2007) http://www.gtz.de or http://www.gtz-
progress.org 30 October 2008.

Page 49 of 71
22. In Focus Initiative on Corporate Social Responsibility: Strategic Orientations
(GB.295/MNE/2/1).See: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/standards/relm/gb/docs/gb295/pdf/mne-2-
1.pdf.

Annexure

Annex-A
Introduction: In this part of research, the CSR research team of BILS had set their minds to
collect data from some selected persons closely concern of CSR status and practice issues of
Bangladesh considering as Key Informant Interview (KII) of the study. The researchers had
endeavored to interview with some social elites, owners and investors of different corporations,
think tanks, trade union leaders and chief executives of the relevant research organizations of
Bangladesh who are thought to be very influential and right persons in terms of policy
implication in national level of CSR. For better understanding about CSR, comments and ideas
of the esteem respondents accumulated through the interview of the research team are
summarily presented here as case by case basis:

Key Informant Interview (KII)-One (01)

Name of Respondent: Md. Shirajul Islam

Working Organization: Janata Bank Ltd
Name of Trade Union: Janata Bank Democratic (Gonotantrik) Workers‟ Union
Designation: General Secretary

Page 50 of 71
Registration No: B-2083
Nature of Organization: Service Provider

While he was asked about CSR during interview, Mr. Islam replied that he has a little idea and
his organization does such activities moderately. He indicated stipend in education, treatment,
and promoting livelihood of freedom fighters as CSR activities. In response to question, he
replied that the “Board of Directors” conducts such activities within their authority without any
kind sharing or discussion with them. He also added that he or his association is least affiliated
or related with those charity or welfare activities. It was clear that the prior objective the
organization was to assist the individual or institution itself. There is no relation existed in
between CSR activities and the trade union of the organization. They never approached the
higher authority of the bank to include them with CSR functions as none of the authority from
the board communicated them. He treated donation computer to the educational institutions,
fund to the Mukti Juddho Jadughar and financial grant to establish hospitals are the best means
of CSR activities of their bank. Their organization was active in CSR functions during 2009 to
2014 but currently these are not functional. He is not happy with CSR activities of his
organization. In terms of workers participation with existing CSR facilities, he positively replied
and added that when the workers applied for donation during familial function like marriage,
treatment and different emergencies they get help from the authority. He opined that if CSR
activities are held based on reality and more pragmatically, it will be more evaluated and
signified in future. In his opinion, he put more importance on workers affiliation and
participation in CSR activities so that they could be more benefitted. He expressed no interest to
be involved with CSR but he said if the “Board of Directors” or BILS takes initiative to include
them, then they might consider participating in CSR activities of the bank in future. He signified
the necessity of an autonomous division or CSR wing, who will actively facilitate the relevant
functions with a separate annual budget. Over the period of interview, he was found very
positive in response and optimistic to see a wide range of CSR contribution for the wellbeing of
the workers and even of the organization in near future.

Key Informant Interview (KII)-Two (02)

Name of Respondent: Md. Aktaruzzaman

Working Organization: Unilever Bangladesh
Name of Trade Union: Unilever Employees Union (CBA)
Page 51 of 71
Designation in Trade Union: President
Registration No: B-1122
Nature of Organization: Multinational Product Oriented Corporation

The research team had an effort to talk to him over phone as he was in Chittagong during
interview. He was found considerate and kind to give all possible answers approached to him by
the researcher. While asking him about CSR, he shortly replied that he had a little knowledge
regarding the concern issue but he finds interests on the matter. He said that CSR activities are
done by the management level decision in their corporation. Normally they do not feel interested
to look into the area as the concern authority never approaches them to be involved but
sometimes they took part in some events. In a query regarding the relation between CSR and
Trade Union, he replied that these two are completely distinct but there are ample opportunities
to work together. He also said, if trade union works in association with the organization
authority, CSR brightness will be definitely increased. Unilever does various CSR activities like
tree Plantation, Stipend for the poor and meritorious students, floating health camp, and dental
care etc he added. He considered education related activities as the best effort of CSR activities
among the present works but he put emphasis on the workers benefits especially for their family.
It was very clear from his discussion that there is no involvement of trade union with CSR
activities and even the trade union leaders are least interested but they feel the necessity for
smooth implementation of CSR activities in terms of more workers involvement. He shared
about the challenges behind involvement of trade union with CSR activities such as he expresses
his doubts on greediness of the union leaders and he also said in case of involvement of many
leaders, CSR functions may be hampered. He agreed about the separate CSR wing and budget of
the organization. He strongly quoted the government interference in relation to proper function
of CSR, formulate policy to motivate the investors, ensure workers participations and promote
opportunities for trade union leaders enhancing CSR activities for the wellbeing of the
stakeholders and the organization.

Key Informant Interview (KII)-Three (03)

Name of Respondent: Mr. Ray Ramesh Chandra

Name of Trade Union: United Federation of Garments‟ Workers
Designation in Trade Union: President
Registration No: B-2011
Page 52 of 71
He was found very cooperative and willing to respond to the queries of the research team. When
he was asked about CSR, he answered in detail as he works national and global level. He said
that CSR activities should be “People, Planet and Profit” by nature. We always emphasized on
the Proper Wages, Safe Work Place, On Job and Retirement security and benefits for the
workers as first priority and Secondly, we put importance on the Production Process as it causes
no harms in the nature and environment. In response to a question, he said “We are campaigning
both national and international level to aware people about CSR but they know a little. Most of
the corporations consider CSR voluntarily whereas trade unions think it mandatory, and it needs
government involvement and active involvement of trade union, workers, stakeholders, civil
society and NGOs”. Trade Union is not included or interlinked with CSR but the management of
the corporations of those who perform CSR should affiliate trade union in function he added.
There should have a government policy to ensure accountability, transparency in work and
remove duplication of CSR activities. In reply to a question, he said that they have not claimed
to be included with CSR activities on behalf of trade union as the issue is not familiar to us. He
identified the present trend of CSR activities just as Charity but it should not be so. It has been
done with no laws and regulations, which is highly required to make CSR more functional and
effective. He said CSR should be implemented by formulating policy and its proper function
through awareness of people and fulfilling public necessities like setting up toilets for the
passengers in Dhaka City where people bound to stay hours in traffic jam, which may increase
CSR image among the people of the country, he answered while he was asked how does the
corporation or country become popular through promoting CSR activities?.In is discussion, it
was clearly understood that workers and stakeholders benefits should be the top most priority in
function of CSR and it should have a close association with the trade unions for wide,
sustainable and smooth functions. He strongly agreed about the separate CSR wing and budget
of the corporations, which may ensure workers participations and promote engagement for trade
union leaders in CSR activities towards the wellbeing of the beneficiaries and the organizations.

Key Informant Interview (KII)-Four (04)

Name of Respondent: Mr. Md. Delowar Hossain

Name of Trade Union: Bangladesh Labour Federation
Designation in Trade Union: General Secretary
Registration No: Ba Ja Fe-19

Page 53 of 71
Mr. Hossain was seen very cordial while giving answers to the queries of the researcher of the
BILS CSR team. He said “I have a very little idea as it is not widely approached in the country”.
In response to most of the questions like any conception on International CSR Guidelines,
National CSR Policy for Children 2015, he straight answers „no idea‟. As he was trade union
leader, most of the queries were approached to him relating to scope of trade union with CSR
activities and future potentials in Bangladesh. He said that both CSR and trade union work for
workers wellbeing, so they should function simultaneously. But there is a huge distance between
the two. We have not yet claimed to the corporations to include trade union with CSR functions
but we want. He added that in Bangladesh there few organizations perform CSR activities and in
many of the organizations, there is no trade union. So, it needs to motivate the owners or
investors to form trade union first and then affiliate with CSR activities. He was very optimistic
regarding the joint effort of trade union and CSR team of the corporations. He said that our
government should formulate specific policy regarding the proper implementation of CSR
activities within the accountability with a distinct CSR wing or division and separate annual
budget. He tried to emphasis on the workers involvement and benefits as the prior stakeholders
under CSR activities. And he firmly wants the scope of trade union to work tighter the CSR
team for the wellbeing of the workers, investors and even for the state in long run.

Page 54 of 71
 Annex-B

Case No-One (01): CSR Activities of Rahimafrooz Group

Reference/ Interviewer: Murad Husain

Deputy General Manager, Strategy & Business Performance
Age: 43; Organization: Rahimafrooz Group.
Education: MBA in Marketing, Strategy Business management from Strategy University
of India.
And Reference From Website.

About Rahimafrooz Group: Rahimafrooz, founded in 1954 by Late A. C. Abdur Rahim as a

trading company, is one of the largest business groups in Bangladesh. It consists of nine SBUs
and several other affiliations. The Group‟s Chairman is Mr. Afroz Rahim and the Managing
Director is Mr. Feroz Rahimout Rahimafrooz. Rahimafrooz a private limited group of company
operates in three business segments – automotive aftermarket, storage power and energy, and
retail. While the group activities are coordinated from the Rahimafrooz corporate office
(RACO), they have eight strategic business units (SBU s), three other business ventures, and a
not-for-profit social development enterprise.
Page 55 of 71
Other Company of Rahimafrooz: Rahimafrooz (Bangladesh) Ltd. Rahimafrooz Accumulators
Ltd. Rahimafrooz Batteries Ltd. Rahimafrooz Globatt Ltd. Rahimafrooz Distribution Ltd.
Rahimafrooz Gastech Ltd .Rahimafrooz Renewable Energy Ltd. Rahimafrooz Energy Services
Ltd. Rahimafrooz Superstores Ltd. Rahimafrooz CIC Agro Ltd.

Corporate Social Responsibility of Rahimafrooz: Rahimafrooz‟s aspiration is to be the

most admired and trusted organization, by excelling in everything it does, following ethical
business practices, and adding value to its stakeholders. The Group wants to achieve all of these
while being firmly committed to social responsibilities.
Rahimafrooz Group, with a proud history of more than 50 years, strongly believes in the
principle of contributing back to the community where it operates. Rahimafrooz strives to add
value to the society, its economy, and environment through intelligent efforts and focused
initiatives.
Rahimafrooz‟s CSR vision reads, " Passionate and driven to make a difference among the
Community and Environment.” Much of the Rahimafrooz CSR efforts are carried out through
its social development initiative Rural Services Foundation.

Currently, Rahimafrooz Group is contributing in the following areas:

· Education
· Poverty Alleviation
· Environment
· Transport

Apart from this, the Group has always supported many noble initiatives undertaken by various
other individuals and organizations. Rahimafrooz has a pioneer role in supporting people
distressed by natural calamities and donations to helpless people on health and education
ground– all are examples of the socially responsive manner of our business. Rahimafrooz is also
a signatory to UN Global Compact. It supports the ten principles of the Global Compact in
respect to human rights, labour rights, the protection of the environment and anti-corruption.
Rural Service Foundation (RSF) is a not-for-profit social enterprise endeavoring to reduce
poverty and support the rural poor. The Foundation operates mostly in rural, disadvantaged
communities. It helps rural people to come out of poverty by helping them in generating income
for themselves through programs involving solar home systems, improved cooking stoves, bio
gas, contract farming etc. Additionally, RSF also runs “Dhaka Project” which is home to some

Page 56 of 71
500 urban underprivileged children, providing them with shelter, education, food, clothing, and
care. RSF has a nation-wide network with nearly four hundred field offices.

In 2008, Rural Services Foundation (RSF) setup a free of cost, residential education centre in
Shajahanpur, Bogra for children from severely impoverished families living in the Monga
affected areas. In three years, RSF Model School & College has become the home of 145 such
students. They also regularly participate in sports activities, moral studies, and recreational
activities. The school, under the guidance of its Principal, teachers & support staff has created a
disciplined and nurturing environment for the development of these children. Through inclusion
of 40 children every year from families under the program, "Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation"
(PKSF), RSF Model School & College strives to expand in many areas of Bangladesh in near
future “Dishari” and IT education CSR project was taken over by Rural Services Foundation of
Rahimafrooz in 2007. RSF is now providing affordable IT education to the communities through
its centres in Jhenaidah, Cox‟s Bazar, Chandpur, Satkhira and Narshingdi.

The Campaign for Safer Roads, “Make Roads Safer” was launched in March 2008 during the
Lucas Dhaka Motor Show 2008. It focuses on driver safety, passenger safety, road and
pedestrian safety, and most importantly, the training of the road-safety professionals. This also
supports various programs to improve road safety in Bangladesh. For the 5th consecutive year,
Rahimafrooz celebrated the International Environment Day with “RSF Poribesh Utshab 2012”. This year,
Rural Services Foundation (RSF) - a Social Development Initiative of Rahimafrooz, organized quiz
competition covering 30 upazillas of Bangladesh and gave awards to 450 students.
The quiz competition is aimed for candidates of SSC examination and the topics include climate
change, renewable energy technology and 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) issues. In our effort
to promote greater environmental responsibility, Rahimafrooz will continue arranging the
program every year with the aim to encourage the students to increase their knowledge on
environment as well as to make them conscious about the climate change.

Case No-Two (02): CSR Activities of Unilever Bangladesh

Reference/ Interviewer: Raisaa Tashnova

Assistant Manager (Communication & CSR) of Unilever Bangladesh.
Age: 25; Organization: Unilever BD.
Education: BBA
And Reference From Website.
Page 57 of 71
Introduction to Unilever Bangladesh: Unilever Bangladesh (UBL) is the leading Fast
Moving Consumer Goods Company in Bangladesh with a heritage of 50 years and products that
are present in 98% of Bangladeshi households.
Product categories: Household Care, Fabric Cleaning, Skin Cleansing, Skin Care, Oral Care,
Hair Care, Personal Grooming, Tea based Beverages.
Unilever brands: Wheel, Lux, Lifebuoy, Fair & Lovely, Pond's, Close Up, Sunsilk, Taaza,
Pepsodent, Clear, Vim, Surf Excel, Rexona, Axe, Dove, & Vaseline.
Corporate Social Responsibility of Unilever Bangladesh: Unilever Bangladesh
conducted their Corporate Social Responsibility activities as Lever Brothers Bangladesh in past.
And they mainly focus their voluntary activities in three different segments. These are „Health-
nutrition-hygiene‟, „Education‟ and „Women Empowerment‟. They do some activities in climate
change issues also. They said these activities as sustainability and responsible business practice.
They conducted some movement about health care and launched „Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital‟
in 2002 with a modified floating oil tanker. In 2006, they sponsored a two months nursing
training program with Ma O Shishu General Hospital in Chittagong and though they already sets
up a modern operation theater and advanced intensive care unit in 25 May, 2004 for high
quality medical care for economically deprived section of the society. They launched a
campaign named „Annual Kalurghat Health Camp‟ to provide free health care facilities to
people around Chittagong since 2007. In November 16, 2007 Unilever announced „Pepsodent-
Bangladesh Dental Society Oral Health Day‟. Lifebuoy worked with NGOs, governments and
other companies to introduce the „Global Hand washing Day‟, launched on 15th October 2008 in
many countries including Bangladesh. They created Pepsodent Dentibus for giving free expert
advice and dental checkup opportunities to the people and schoolchildren‟s. For building nations
future they emphasis on educational campaigns like working with an NGO named Shathee
Samaj Kalyan Samity (SSKS) for giving education facilities for Banani residential slum areas
children since January, 2005. UBL volunteers also visit the school to show the importance of
hygiene and health. The scholarship program by Fair and Lovely foundation was one such
initiative that supported the dreams of talented women from economically disadvantaged
families. In 2006, UBL jointly funded „Unilever Chevening Scholarship‟ for a Bangladeshi
national wishing to study in a university in the United Kingdom with the cooperation of British
council. For women empowerment UBL was started pilot project „Joyeeta‟ in August 2003, later
on that leads to „Project Aparajita‟ with CARE. They also took some initiative like urban
vocational training program in 2005 and scholarship program for w o m e n w i t h F a r i a L a t a
Foundation and Uttorone Nari in 2003. UBL in collaboration with
Tengamara Mohila Shabuj Shanga (TMSS) started a tree plantation program on 30th
October 2009 for promoting environmental care and awareness. T h e y m a d e a h u g e
positive impact to the mind of Bangladeshi people with their various
campaigns of social works. By fair and lovely scholarship program 375 women got scholarship
annually. They are working with SSKS for giving study facility to 300 slum children.
Over 10,000 people have cured by the Health camp out of which over 5000 a i l i n g m o t h e r s
a n d children received treatment and immunization, 4000 people received diabetic medical
assistance and free blood tests and 6000 patients received free eye treatment which surgery
Page 58 of 71
facility and 500indoor patients can be treated in the Ma O Shishu General Hospital in
Chittagong and also 275000 people have been helped by the Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital since
2001. Pepsodent Dentibush as reached 250,000 people per year with its facilities. They are
contributing in health sector, education, climatic problem and women empowerment and these
are the most vital issues of nowadays society. So they created a positive atmosphere within
general people especially rural people‟s mind that they are socially responsible and their product
are environmental friendly. Unilever Bangladesh works with various NGO‟s; those are the
helping hand of the poor people. As a leading company, their CSR activities are making positive
perception about Unilever which is helping to create brand equity. These CSR activities are not
only expressing their dedication for the society, but also To make their own place in the
competitive market and stay the long time and create positive image about them. Their social
activities are really appreciating.

Another activity: Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) has received an award from the Standard
Chartered Financial Express joint CSR recognition initiative for its outstanding CSR
contributions. UBL Initiatives such as the Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital have given critical help
to the water-locked population of Bangladesh, while the Fair & Lovely Foundation has been
instrumental in empowering women.

On receiving the award Unilever Bangladesh chairman Sanjiv Mehta said: "While our primary
obligation to our shareholders is to create value, we are acutely aware of our responsibilities as a
corporate citizen.
"Our voluntary activities in the areas of health and education are aimed at positively enriching
society while bringing our brands to life for consumers."
Over the past seven years, Unilever Bangladesh has led the way in terms of both corporate
reputation and business results, with seven consecutive years of double-digit growth.
In 2005, Unilever Bangladesh was one of only two Unilever businesses in Asia to cross the
magical figure of 20% growth. An inspiring growth story and a great example of living through
Vitality.

Case No-Three (03):CSR Activities of Square Pharmaceuticals LTD

Reference/ Interviewee: Mr. Fakrul Hassan;

Position: AGM (HR),
Age: 40; Organization: Square Pharmaceuticals LTD.
Education: MA (Business Administration).
And Reference From Website.

Page 59 of 71
About Square Pharmaceuticals: SQUARE Pharmaceuticals Limited is the largest
pharmaceutical company in Bangladesh and it has been continuously in the 1st position among
all national and multinational companies since 1985. It was established in 1958 and converted
into a public limited company in 1991.
Corporate Social Responsibility Square Pharmaceuticals: Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and
contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and
their families as well as of the local community and society at large.

Our Business Motivation is Being Good by Doing Well and to conduct transparent business
operations based on market mechanism within the legal, ethical & social framework with aims
to attain the mission reflected by our vision. We scale-up CSR activities to consider the interests
of our external & internal stakeholders like customers, employees, vendors, shareholders,
society, government etc. and ecological & ethical considerations in all aspects of operations.
SQUARE is one of the pioneer signatories of United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in
Bangladesh. UNGC principles are aligned with company's culture from the very outset.

SQUARE recognizes that progressive labour policies are good business practices, especially for
a company like us that has global ambition. We follow laws and encourage work environment
that welcomes diversity and also follow non-discrimination & fair treatment policy both in the
recruitment & selection process and performance management system. We have Trade Union &
our HR policies have been continuously up-to-dated as per existing labour law of the country.
We do not allow any female employees during night shift operations & we strictly prohibit any
form of forced labour. We actively pursue the policy of No child labour in SQUARE.

Transparency & business ethics is the core value of SQUARE and it is strictly followed at every
step of the business processes. Every business in SQUARE is modeled in a way that enables the
management to ensure highest degree of both financial and behavioral accountability. SQUARE
pursues Zero Tolerance policy against all kinds of corruption.

SQUARE's activity goes well beyond the sphere of business. As socially conscious and
responsible corporate body SQUARE is committed to the improvement of the society as a whole.
Meril-Prothom Alo festival sponsored by SQUARE, has become a national calendar event.
SQUARE helps many NGO's in their effort to make available healthcare to the disadvantage

Page 60 of 71
population of the country. It sponsors programs to build awareness on the healthcare need.
SQUARE is also a major sponsor of sporting events in the country.

SQUARE is proud to be a Bangladeshi Company actively involved in various field of Corporate

Social Responsibility.
Committed to support precautionary approach to environmental challenges & to promote
greater; Professional development opportunity; ensuring safe, healthy & employee-
friendly workplace; Loan facility
"Shohoj Kisti Reen Prokalpa" under which all unionized employees can take loan to purchase
necessary home appliances at small service charge and this fund is operated and managed by a
committee of workers' representatives.
SQUARE Kindergarten & SQUARE High School: SQUARE Kindergarten is constructed
primarily to facilitate quality education to the children of the employees in Pabna. This is a
100% "not- for-profit" initiative where the students receive quality education at a very
subsidized fee. Other than its own employees' children, it also provides this education facility for
the children of local community. SQUARE Kindergarten extended its facility from Primary
Level (Grade I – Grade V) to Secondary Level (Grade VI and upwards) by establishing
SQUARE High School.
Award for facilitating higher education: In recognition to merit, SQUARE awards Gold Medal
to the students of Dhaka Medical College who secure the first position.
Pick-up and drop services for the school going children of factory employees; Sponsoring
"SQUARE-Dhaka Residential Model College 7th National Science Festival 2014"
Support to ICDDR,B for Research on Childhood Diarrhoea. Partner in the research study for
preventing "Post Partum Hemorrhage (PPH)", primary reason for maternal death in Bangladesh
with ICDDR,B and Obstetrical & Gynecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB).
Housing & Transportation Facility for Female Employees for empowering & encouraging them
to do the job. Fund raising program with Acid Survivors Foundation. With this fund SQUARE
conducts awareness program and stand along with these Acid survivors.
SQUARE is partnering one of the projects of CARE - "JITA": Through this project we ensure
empowerment of rural women as they can earn money by purchasing our products at Trade Price
& by selling those products to rural households at Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and also ensure
basic health & hygiene to the rural area by the sales women in explaining the necessity of using
sanitary napkin and health soaps and making these products available at their doorsteps.

Page 61 of 71
SQUARE is operating a fuel station named "Eakub Filling Station" in Pabna which is run by
women; Square Toiletries Ltd. educated 1.5 million girls regarding adolescent health &
hygiene; Ensuring a healthy future for 3.3 million babies; Ensuring a healthy future for 1.6
million girls; Road safety campaign & road side shade; Medical campaign program for poor
people; Donation to hospitals, medical colleges, local community & underprivileged people.

Case No-Four (04):CSR Activities of Navana Real Estate

Reference/ Interviewee:
Respondent: Mohammad Ferojul Kabir
Position: Senior Assistant Manager-HR.
Age: 38; Organization: Navana Real Estate.
Education: MBA in HR

And Reference From Website.

About Navana Group: Navana Group under the prominent leadership of Mr. Shafiul Islam
Kamal as Chairman emerged into a separate physical entity from Islam Group after the death of
its Chairman Mr. Jahurul Islam which was then the largest business group in Bangladesh.
NAVANA GROUP comprising of a number of companies, has diversified its activities in
various areas like product and project marketing, construction and real estate business,
international trading, distributorship and production of various items and already attained
significance in the business arena of Bangladesh.
Navana Real Estate: Navana Construction Ltd. (NCL), a full-fledged construction wing of
Navana Group came into physical existence in 1996 under the Chairmanship of Mr. Shafiul
Islam Kamal, the Ex-Vice Chairman and the very Key Person of Islam Group was responsible
for procurement & the execution of the construction jobs of Bengal Development Corporation
(BDC), the construction company of the Islam Group.
The construction work of BDC which included Road Ways, Embankments, High-Rise and Low-
Rise Buildings, Commercial Blocks, Industrial Civil Engineering Works, Service and Utility
Buildings for Airport, Railways, Universities, Power Plant Civil Works since past 35 years in &
abroad Bangladesh.

Page 62 of 71
Corporate Social Responsibility Navana Group: Navana Group organized a CSR program of 3
Days Vocational Training for under privileged children with the help of Terre des hommes italia
from April 6-8, 2014, at Navana corporate office, 205-207, Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka. On the
concluding day, the Ambassador of the republic of Italy H. E. Giorgio Guglielmino was present
as Chief Guest in the Certificate Giving Ceremony upon completion of the training program. By
giving thanks to Navana Group, Honorable Ambassador appreciated for taking such initiative
concerning improvement of future workforce of Bangladesh. He also thanked trainers as well as
trainees and wished best of luck for their better future. The high officials of Terre des hommes
and the high officials of Navana Group were present in the program. Mr. Saiful Islam, Sr. Vice
Chairman, Navana Group also sent his massage of best wishes for the program with thanks &
regards to all concerned.

Case No-Five (05):CSR Activities of Janata Bank Bangladesh

[Janata Bank is a state owned commercial bank and is catering the need of the mass
Business people. It was corporatized on 15th November 200].

Reference/ Interviewer: Md. Nurujjaman Islam

Position: - CEO
Age:-44; Organization: Janata Bank LTD.
Education: MSS.
And Reference From Website.

Corporate Social Responsibility Janata Bank: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), one of
the most sophisticated, radical terms is being treated as the determinant of corporate outlook
towards society with business activities of an organization. Corporate social responsibility is
becoming a key initiative and an essential tool in the development of third world countries
throughout the globe. In recent time CSR has got more acceptability than profit maximization. It
is a concept whereby organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for
the impact of their activities on customers, employees, shareholders, communities and the
environment in all aspects of their operations. This obligation is seen to extend beyond the
statutory obligation to comply with legislation and organizations see voluntarily taking further
steps to improve the standard of life of employees and their families as well as of the local
community and society at large.
JBL sees CSR activities as a critical component of continuous improvement, like the overall
effort to be a more socially responsible and sustainable organization.

Page 63 of 71
Being one of the leading state-owned commercial banks in Bangladesh, Janata Bank Limited,
with its 904 branches has also realized its responsibilities to the society and is contributing to the
amelioration of the social life of the destitute people, infra-structure, environment etc. Not only
that, it has stepped forward to introduce interest-free loans to the poor and marginal farmers in
the Aila-Sidr-Monga unit areas.
The budget for performing CSR activities is managed from the profit earned by the bank each
year. Since its inception, the break-down of the budgets devoted to the philanthropic initiatives u
2013 are as 310.00, Fund Utilized 292.30.
According to the policy, the CSR activities are performed in the following fields:
Education and Research: It is universally acknowledged that there is no alternative to
education. So, keeping this in mind, it has stretched its helping hands towards the financially
deprived meritorious and those who have great inclination to be benefited with education. Not
only that, it is imparting in different types of conferences, symposiums, workshops etc related to
education and research.
Health and treatment: JBL has been treating this sector as the second most important one. In
the last decade, diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, liver siroccos etc. have taken an epidemic form.
For building up a healthy nation, as a bank of the people, JBL, both singly and cooperatively is
playing an important role.
Poverty Reduction and Rehabilitation: To make the people free from the curse of poverty and
lessen the gap between the poor and the rich, JBL has considered street people, landless,
handicapped etc. as its target field to develop.
Natural Calamity: Though our country is a gifted child of nature, it is not free from the
calamities like flood, cyclone, earth quack, cranes, road accidents etc. Considering the
humanitarian traits, JBL stands as a friend to the hopeless people.
History, culture, tradition, sports etc: Aiming at imprinting the consciousness of the war of
liberation into the heart of the people, JBL takes initiatives to uphold our glorious history,
culture etc. by sponsoring related organizations arranging different programmer on these
subjects.
Environment Protection: Now-a-days, pollution of environment has become a burning issue.
For sustainable development, JBL considers the matter as an important issue and is devoting a
handsome amount in tree plantation, forestation and other environment friendly activities for
better, pollution free environment.

Page 64 of 71
Expansion of Information Technology: With a view to building "Digital Bangladesh" within
2021, JBL has been trying to bring all organizations irrespective of types, by providing
computers and other scientific equipments for expansion of Information Technology.
Miscellaneous: Apart from these, sovereignty of the country, protection, discipline, economic
freedom, ensuring justice etc. are also been considered in CSR activities practiced by the bank.
Least but not the last, for the amelioration of the economic condition of those great-hearted
freedom-fighters who laid their lives for the sake of this independent Bangladesh. JBL is
committed to remain by their side always.

Case No-Six (06): CSR Activities of Mohammadi Group (RMG)

Reference/ Interviewer:
Name: Syed Ehatasum Kabir
Designation: Sr.Manager (HRD &Compliance)
Age: 37; Organization: Mohammadi Group
Education: Graduate
And Reference From Website.

About Mohammadi Group: Mohammadi Group was started by 1986 with a 2 line factory in
Lalbagh Dhaka.
The company founder Mr. Annisul Huq .He has served in the board of Bangladesh Garment
Manufacturers Association (BGMEA) for over a dedace. He also served as the President and
Vice-President of BGMEA over different terms.
Companies: Woven Garments Manufacturing, Lingerie Garments Manufacturing, Sweater
Manufacturing, Information Technology Services, Power Generation, Real-Estate, High-tech
Entertainment, Agriculture Corporate Social Responsibility Mohammadi Group: Sharaf‟er
Pathshala (It‟s a charity of Mohammadi-Group).
* To provide free of cost quality education to children of garment factory workers
* Help children to become more self reliant providing technical education, so that after
completion they may work at any sweater or woven factory independently without further
training or internship
* Upon completion of the move to the new plot, Sharaf'er Pathshala will also provide night
classes to domestic workers who wish to build their literacy skills

Page 65 of 71
Since 2005 Mohammadi Group operating this school for children of this group worker to reduce
poverty.

Case No-Seven (07):CSR Activities of Sopura Silk Mills Ltd

Name of Respondent : Alhaj Md. Sadar Ali

Position : Managing Director
Name of the Company : Sopura Silk Mills Ltd

Alhaj Md. Sadar Ali the Managing Director of Sopura Silk Mills Ltd. established a Silk Mills
named Sopura Silk Mills Ltd. by purchasing a Plot under BSCIC Sopura Rajshahi in the year
1986, Rajshahi. They are the manufacturers of 100% Pure Silk Fabrics Made -Ups & Garments
for both Men and Ladies. Their Fabrics and Garments pass through very rigorous Quality
Control procedures. They have strict supervision at every stage in production in accordance with
sophisticated advance technology.
Corporate Social Responsibility Sopura Silk Mills Ltd: Employee relationship management is a
process that companies use to effectively manage all interactions with employees, ultimately to
achieve the goals of the organization.
Workers have many competing responsibilities such as: work, children, housework,
volunteering, spouse and elderly parent care. And this places stress on individuals, families
and the communities in which they reside. Work-life conflict is a serious problem that impacts
workers, their employers and communities. It seems that this problem is increasing over time
due to high female labor force participation rates, increasing numbers of single parent families,
the majority of the dual-earner family and emerging trends such as elder care. The Negative
Effects of Work Life Conflict Long work hours and highly stressful jobs not only hamper
employees‟ ability to harmonize work and family life but also are associated with health risks,
such as increased smoking and alcohol consumption, weight gain and depression.
Flexible work schedules (flextime / telecommuting), Quality of work life programs, Ability to
work from home. Compressed workweek, Job-Sharing (a special type of part time work), Child
care and elder care support, Part time work, reduced work load, Quality of work life programs,
Employee/Management committees, Organization initiatives, Modern methods of training on the
job, Modern methods of supervision, Drive out fear, so that everyone may work effectively for
Page 66 of 71
the company etc. Establish Rules Communicate Rules Assess Behavior Modify Behavior
Employee Employees Figure.
Prevention programs take many forms; they include redesigning jobs to diminish hazardous
conditions, conducting safety training programs even offering pay bonuses for good safety
records. In an attempt to prevent accidents and improve overall safety records.
There are three areas of protection level. Those are: a) Safety Hazard, b) Health Hazard
and c) Co-Workers Hazard.
Discipline System development: Establish rules: Sopura silk establishes rules about wages,
training, other opportunities such as medical allowances, house rent etc, which services it
provides and what it expects from employees and workers. Communicate rules: Sopura silk
provides employee handbook where every rules and regulations are clearly stated. If any new
rules are made then employees and workers are informed through notice board.

------------ ---------------------------------------------End---------------------------------------------------------------

Confidential

Questionnaire on Mapping the Current Status of CSR Activities and the

Scope of Workers’ Participation

Name of Respondent:
Position:
Age:
Education:

Organizational Details
Page 67 of 71
 1. Name of the Company:
2. Registered Address details:
3. How many employees does your Company employ?
Management Level-------------
Workers Level ------------
Number of Male--------- & Female---------
4. What is your company‟s registered / paid-up capital (Annual Report)?
Amount in BDT=
5. What is your company‟s approximate yearly turnover (Annual report)?
Amount approximately in BDT=

Details CSR and Practice

6. Could you please share me what your business understand by Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR)? When it was started
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
.

7. Do you have an estimate of annual cost of Corporate Social Responsibility activities?

8. What are the CSR activities your company conducting and how? Please detail the
activities.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
9. Who are the target beneficiaries under CSR activities of your organization? Please
Specify……………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Page 68 of 71
10. Which was the most effective CSR activities done by your company and why do you
think-explain the reasons behind?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Internal & External Beneficiary (Specify) -------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Which was the least effective CSR activities done by your company and why do you
think-explain the reasons behind?
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
11. Why are your companies doing these types of activities? Please discuss me the purposes
of the activities?
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

12. Are you satisfied with the process of CSR activities presently following? If not, explain
why? If yes, what is the Specialty at process?
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…..
13. Do you have any broad plan to include the working class within CSR activities that are
currently going on? If yes then for whom, why and how? …………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
.
If no, why explain...
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Is there any Trade Union?--------------------------------------------------
Is there any representation of Workers/ TU in CSR Planning/Activities?
14. Is there any involvement of your suppliers or buyers in your CSR activities? If yes,
explain how.

Page 69 of 71
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
.
15. How does your company want to undertake specific CSR activities?

1.Adhoc basis 2. Planned 3.Annual 4.by Board 5. With a theme

decision

16. Is there any autonomous wing or department in your company for CSR activities? If yes,
please say how it functions?
Who is doing this works?.....................................................................................................
Does the wing only do CSR activities? Yes / No………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
.

17. If there is no responsible wing or separate administrative body then who is doing the
CSR activities?
Explain………………………………………………………………………………..

Page 70 of 71
Page 71 of 71