Project Report On “Compliance with GRI Standards in Sustainability Reporting: An Empirical Analysis of Ready-Made Garments Industry in Bangladesh” Md. Sabuj

Abstract

This study assesses GRI Standards compliance in sustainability reporting within Bangladesh's RMG industry. Analyzing 42 reports from 28 companies (2021-2023), the study finds that while all sampled companies claim GRI alignment, substantive compliance averages only 38.6%. Social disclosures (42.5%) outperform environmental (29.8%), yet sensitive issues remain omitted—83.3% lack freedom of association disclosures, 76.2% omit gender pay equity, and over 90% provide no supply chain accountability. Quality principles show timeliness (81.0%) and clarity (74.0%) as strengths, while balance (37.0%) and comparability (22.5%) reveal critical weaknesses, with 45.2% of reports containing no negative disclosures. Publicly listed, large, and LEED-certified firms outperform counterparts by 12-20%, though even leaders average below 50% compliance. The findings reveal a fundamental disconnect between claiming GRI adherence and substantive transparency—perpetuating greenwashing. The study recommends mandatory disclosure requirements and capacity building to improve compliance in Bangladesh's largest export sector.