Sustainable Development in the Printing Industry of Bangladesh: A Qualitative Assessment of Gender Equality, Decent Work, and Hygiene Standards

This qualitative study examines the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within Bangladesh’s printing industry, with a particular focus on SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), and SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth). Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 60 workers and in-depth interviews with 15 printing house owners and managers across three major printing hubs in Dhaka, the research explores the current conditions, opportunities, and key barriers to aligning the industry with global sustainability targets. The findings reveal a complete absence of female participation, inadequate sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, and pervasive occupational health risks due to unsafe working conditions and chemical exposure. Workers report limited access to welfare support and express dissatisfaction with wage structures and workplace environments. Despite the industry’s economic significance, institutional efforts to promote gender sensitivity and worker welfare are minimal. The study highlights the urgent need for gender-inclusive policy reforms, enhanced water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, and stronger enforcement of labor rights to foster sustainability and equity within the industry. It concludes with recommendations for policy interventions and multi-stakeholder collaboration aimed at transforming the printing industry into a more inclusive and resilient contributor to Bangladesh’s broader development agenda and SDG commitments.