They said most of the garment manufacturing companies didn't abide by a law enacted in 1995, which made it mandatory for factories to arrange such facility if they have at least 20 female workers with under-five children.

The observations came at a workshop on 'Corporate Social Responsibility of the Garment Factories' jointly organised by Phulki, a non-governmental organisation, and Junior Chamber International (JCI) held at Brac Centre in Dhaka.

Phulki Executive Director Suriya Huq said each and every company should practise corporate social responsibilities by setting up childcare centres.

"They should establish this voluntarily, not by any pressures from outside."

JCI Bangladesh President Data Magfur Rahman said apart from making profits companies have to be more responsible to serve the society.

Majedur Rahman, country director of Dada Group, garment owners will spend additional money to promote such facilities if the government ensures a congenial investment environment in the country.