Mapped in Bangladesh (MiB): Advancing Transparency & Supply Chain Visibility in the RMG Sector
Mapped in Bangladesh (MiB) is a census-based supply chain disclosure initiative that builds on the first comprehensive digital map of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry. The project compiles primary data on all export-oriented RMG factories, offering credible and up-to-date information to enhance transparency, strengthen ESG performance, and support informed decision-making. By fostering collaboration among national and international stakeholders and incorporating public crowdsourcing, MiB aims to improve accountability, efficiency and traceability across the apparel value chain.
Five-Axis Transformation via MiB
Data
MiB’s core strength lies in its extensive, factory-level database capturing information such as factory location, production profiles, workforce characteristics and compliance indicators. Through continuous verification and crowdsourced updates, the initiative ensures that the data remains current, reliable and actionable for stakeholders seeking transparency and improved governance.
Capacity Building / Technical Assistance
The initiative strengthens stakeholder capacity to utilise supply chain data for analysis, planning and dialogue. It supports researchers, policymakers, brands and industry actors in understanding sector dynamics, identifying risks, and designing targeted interventions that address labour, environmental and governance challenges.
Technology / Machinery
MiB leverages digital mapping technologies and online platforms to visualise factory information and make it publicly accessible. The interactive interface allows users to explore spatial and operational data, facilitating better traceability and enabling innovative data-driven solutions for industry monitoring and engagement.
Finance
By improving transparency and credibility of factory data, MiB indirectly supports financial decision-making. Brands, investors and development partners can utilise the platform to identify potential partners, assess risks, and channel resources more effectively, while factories benefit from increased visibility and trust within global supply chains.
Policy
The initiative contributes to evidence-based policy dialogue by providing comprehensive industry data that can inform regulatory frameworks, labour compliance strategies and ESG initiatives. Through its collective action model, MiB promotes multi-stakeholder engagement and encourages alignment among government, private sector and civil society actors around transparency and accountability.
Strategic Impact & Value Proposition
Enhanced Supply Chain Transparency
MiB enables unprecedented visibility of Bangladesh’s RMG industry, helping stakeholders better understand the sector’s structure, distribution and characteristics.
Improved ESG Performance and Accountability
Accessible and reliable factory data supports monitoring of environmental, social and governance indicators, encouraging responsible business practices and strengthening compliance efforts.
Stronger Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
The platform serves as a shared knowledge base that facilitates dialogue among brands, factories, policymakers, development partners and researchers, fostering collective action for sectoral improvement.
Greater Efficiency and Connectivity
By linking stakeholders through accurate information, MiB helps streamline sourcing decisions, partnership formation and sector planning, contributing to improved productivity and competitiveness.
Sustainable Data Ecosystem
Through continuous crowdsourcing and stakeholder engagement, the initiative creates a living data infrastructure that evolves with the industry, ensuring long-term relevance and supporting systemic transformation in transparency and governance across Bangladesh’s apparel sector.