[🇧🇩] Textile & RMG Industry of Bangladesh

[Saif]

Source : https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bangladesh-textile-industry-overview-thetextilenetwork

Bangladesh Textile Industry An Overview

The Bangladesh Textile Industry is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector with a rich history of textile production. With over 80% of its total exports attributed to the industry, it is no surprise that Bangladesh has become a significant player in the global textile market.

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Bangladesh Textile Industry An Overview​

Published May 11, 2023

The Bangladesh Textile Industry is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector with a rich history of textile production. With over 80% of its total exports attributed to the industry, it is no surprise that Bangladesh has become a significant player in the global textile market.

This article will take a comprehensive look at the Bangladesh Textile Industry and explore its strengths, challenges, and prospects. From the diverse range of products it offers to the skilled labor force and supportive government policies, we will delve into the details of what makes the Bangladesh Textile Industry unique and successful.

Whether you are an industry professional, a curious observer, or just looking for information on the topic, this article will provide an in-depth overview of the Bangladesh Textile Industry. Let’s learn more about Bangladesh’s Textile Industry.

Bangladesh’s Global Chain and Garment Industry​

Bangladesh’s garment sector significantly contributes to its economy, accounting for over 80% of its total exports. The country has become a hub for global fashion brands’ low-cost, labor-intensive garment production due to its cheap labor costs, duty-free access to major markets, and growing pool of skilled workers.

In recent years, Bangladesh has faced challenges in maintaining its competitiveness in the global garment market. The rise of new low-cost production centers, such as Vietnam and Cambodia, has pressured Bangladesh to improve its working conditions, wages, and efficiency.

Despite these challenges, Bangladesh’s garment sector continues to grow and remains an essential part of the global supply chain. Many multinational corporations have established a presence in Bangladesh to take advantage of its low labor costs and proximity to major markets. These companies have invested in improving working conditions and environmental standards in their Bangladesh-based operations, helping to raise the country’s garment industry profile.

However, the Bangladesh garment sector has challenges. The Rana Plaza disaster of 2013, in which over 1,100 garment workers died, highlighted the need for better working conditions and safety standards in the industry. In response, many international organizations and brands have introduced initiatives to improve working conditions and raise standards in the industry, such as the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s garment sector is a critical component of the global fashion supply chain, providing low-cost labor to multinational corporations while facing challenges related to working conditions and competitiveness. Nevertheless, the industry continues to grow and evolve, with international corporations and organizations working to improve standards and ensure workers’ well-being.

Bangladesh Textile Manufacturing Market Analysis​

The Bangladesh Textile Industry is a crucial component of the country’s economy, generating over 80% of its total exports and employing millions of workers. The industry is well known for producing a wide range of textiles, including cotton and synthetic fabrics, readymade garments, and home textiles. An extensive overview of the Bangladesh Textile Manufacturing Market is provided below:

Market Size and Growth: ​

In recent years, the Bangladesh Textile Industry has experienced substantial growth, estimated at $40 billion in 2021. The industry has grown at around 10% per year, driven by increasing demand for Bangladesh’s textiles in domestic and international markets.

Skilled Labor Force: ​

Bangladesh has a large pool of skilled and unskilled workers who play a vital role in the country’s textile industry. The government has significantly invested in vocational training and education, ensuring the industry has access to a well-trained workforce.

Government Support:​

Bangladesh’s government has supported the textile industry, implementing favorable trade policies and providing incentives for investment. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has been instrumental in attracting foreign investment to the sector.

Product Range: ​

Bangladesh is well known for producing a wide range of textiles, including cotton and synthetic fabrics, readymade garments, and home textiles. The country has a strong tradition of textile production, with a rich history that dates back several centuries.

Challenges: ​

Despite its growth and success, the Bangladesh Textile Industry faces several challenges, including power outages, inadequate infrastructure, and low productivity. The industry is also subject to intense competition from other textile-producing countries, and manufacturers must continuously innovate to remain competitive.

Future Prospects: ​

Despite the challenges, the future of the Bangladesh Textile Industry looks bright, with the government and industry leaders investing in modernizing the sector. The country’s favorable location and well-developed transportation network make it an attractive destination for investment. Additionally, the increasing demand for sustainable and ethical clothing is expected to drive further growth in the industry.

The Bangladesh Textile Industry is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector that plays a vital role in the country’s economy. With a well-trained workforce, supportive government policies, and a diverse range of products, The sector is in a strong position to experience more success and expansion in the years to come.the industry.

Bangladesh Textile Manufacturing Market Competitor Analysis​

Bangladesh’s textile manufacturing market faces competition from other low-cost production centers, such as China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The competitiveness of the Bangladesh market is affected by several factors, including labor costs, infrastructure, and production efficiency.

Bangladesh has an advantage over other nations in the region regarding labor expenses because of its low wages. However, there have been efforts in recent years to increase the minimum wage for workers, which could affect the country’s competitiveness in the future. Additionally, Bangladesh’s infrastructure is still developing, with some challenges related to transportation, power supply, and port facilities.

Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has several strengths that help it compete in the global textile market. For example, the country has a large pool of skilled workers and a growing middle class, which provides an increasing demand for the domestic consumption of textiles. Additionally, Bangladesh has favorable duty-free access to major markets, such as the European Union, which helps to reduce the cost of exports and increase competitiveness.

Bangladesh’s textile manufacturing market faces competition from other low-cost production centers but has several strengths that help it maintain its competitiveness. To continue to grow and succeed in the global market, Bangladesh will need to focus on improving its infrastructure and efficiency while also addressing challenges related to labor costs and working conditions.

The top 5 competitors of Bangladesh’s textile manufacturing market are:​

1. China
2. India
3. Vietnam
4. Cambodia
5. Turkey

These countries are competing with Bangladesh in terms of low labor costs, favorable trade agreements, and access to global markets. They also offer similar advantages regarding skilled labor and a growing domestic market.

The top players in Bangladesh’s textile manufacturing market are:​

1. Grameen Knitwear
2. BEXIMCO
3. Ananta Group
4. Ha-Meem Group
5. Square Textiles

These companies are among the largest and most influential players in the Bangladesh textile manufacturing market, with a significant domestic and growing international presence. They have established a reputation for quality and reliability and have invested in improving working conditions, environmental standards, and production efficiency.

Along with raising Bangladesh’s textile industry’s image and establishing the country as a significant player in the global supply chain, these businesses have formed alliances with key international fashion brands.

 

[Bilal9]

Automation technology is rampant at DTG exhibition happening in Dhaka​

Exhibition of automation and eco-friendly machinery in garment industry is going on at Bashundhara International Convention City. Thousands of organizations from 32 countries participated in it. Those related to the sector say that in order to maintain the international position, it is necessary to move towards the use of environment-friendly technology.

 

[Bilal9]

Indian ministry claims Tangail saree originated in West Bengal, sparking outrage among netizens​

Hand-woven Tangail Sarees. Photo: Collected

India's Ministry of Culture has claimed that the 'Tangail saree' originated in West Bengal, sparking outrage from netizens as the traditional tant saree is widely considered to have originated from Bangladesh's Tangail district.

"The Tangail saree, originating from West Bengal, is a traditional handwoven masterpiece. Renowned for its fine texture, vibrant colours, and intricate Jamdani motifs, it epitomises the region's rich cultural heritage," the ministry wrote in a post on Facebook on Thursday (1 February).
"Each Tangail saree is a testament to skilled craftsmanship, seamlessly weaving together tradition and elegance," it added.

The India's ministry's Facebook post on Friday stoked outrage among Bangladeshi netizens.

Some of them commented on the post that the fact that the word 'Tangail' itself originates from the name of the Tangail district of Bangladesh.

Some others commented that the Indian ministry might have got the saree's name wrong.

The Indian ministry's facebook post comes weeks after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in an X post, wrote,"Three handloom saree items of West Bengal, namely Tangail of Nadia and Purba Bardhaman, and Korial & Garad of Murshidabad and Birbhum, have been registered and recognized as GI products."

"I congratulate the artisans for their skills and achievements. We are proud of them. Our congratulations to them!!" she added.

Gazi Md Rezaul Karim, member (O&M) of the Bangladesh Handloom Board, told The Business Standard that Tangail saree is a Bangladeshi product. Claiming it originated in West Bengal is false.

However, he could not confirm if the board is aware of India's claim or the GI tag for the Tangail saree.

He added that there is an option to object against India's GI tag for the saree.

Bangladesh Handloom Board Chairman Md Mahmud Hossain and Md Ayub Ali, planning and implementation chief of the board, could not be reached over the phone for a comment on the matter.

The Tangail saree has a rich tradition and history, representing one of the oldest cottage industries in Bangladesh. Its weaving heritage can be traced back to the British period, with significant expansion occurring in the late nineteenth century.

Multiple communities in Bangladesh participate in the production of Tangail sarees, with the Basak community of Pathrail in Tangail being the oldest.

A large number of handloom artisans migrated from Bangladesh to India during the partition and the 1971 Liberation War. They settled in West Bengal, where they popularised this specific type of saree.


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Tangail citizens, businessmen protest India acquiring GI for Tangail saree​

Local businessmen and citizens of Tangail formed a human chain in the district today to protest against India's acquisition of Geographical Indication (GI) for Tangail saree. Photo: TBS

Citizens and businessmen of Tangail organised various programmes today, demanding that the Geographical Indication (GI) of Tangail saree be recognised as a Bangladeshi product instead of an Indian one.

During a human chain event in the district today, the speakers said the Tangail saree has a rich tradition and history, representing one of the oldest cottage industries in Bangladesh.

Raghunath Basak, president of the Tangail Saree Traders Association, said, "Tangail Saree is related to the Tangail region. If someone claims the Tangail saree as their own and manages to obtain the GI tag, it is disheartening for us."

Tangail Deputy Commissioner Kaisarul Islam said the application process has already started for the GI for Tangail saree, pineapple from Madhupur, and sandesh from Jamurki to be recognised as Bangladeshi products.

"A history of 50 years is required to submit for the GI recognition of a product. Tangail's woven sari is 250 years old. We are optimistic that we will receive recognition for this GI product," added the DC.

India's foreign ministry posted on Facebook on Thursday (1 February), stating, "The Tangail saree, originating from West Bengal, is a traditional handwoven masterpiece. Renowned for its fine texture, vibrant colours, and intricate Jamdani motifs, it epitomises the region's rich cultural heritage."

This post on India's ministry's Facebook page on Friday sparked outrage among Bangladeshi netizens.

The weaving heritage of the Tangail saree can be traced back to the British period, with significant expansion occurring in the late nineteenth century.

Multiple communities in Bangladesh participate in the production of Tangail sarees, with the Basak community of Pathrail in Tangail being the oldest.

A large number of handloom artisans migrated from Bangladesh to India during the partition and the 1971 Liberation War. They settled in West Bengal, where they popularised this specific type of saree.

 

[Bilal9]

Bangladesh mulls protest against India’s GI recognition of Tangail saree​

The government calls an emergency meeting after India’s claim that the product originates from West Bengal​

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 3 Feb 2024, 12:28 PM
Updated : 3 Feb 2024, 12:28 PM

Amid demonstrations against the Geographical Indication recognition of Tangail saree as an India-origin product, the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks has called a meeting to discuss the issue.

Besides setting a course of action, the meeting on Sunday will consider lodging a protest against India’s claim, the department’s Assistant Director Md Belal Hossain said on Saturday.

"Tangail is not a part of India, nor does the Tangail saree belong to India," he said.

The department’s Director (Trademarks) Md Zillur Rahman said they could not respond earlier because Friday was the weekend.

“But we’ve called an emergency meeting now. We’ll inform the director general and the secretary after taking necessary steps,” he said.

The controversy ignited when the Indian Ministry of Culture, in a Facebook post on Thursday, asserted that the Tangail saree originated from West Bengal, a claim that contradicts the saree's deep-rooted association with Bangladesh.

This assertion came after Nadia, a district in West Bengal, was awarded the GI tag a month earlier for this textile, traditionally known for its distinctive weave and design, attributed to Bangladesh.

The World Intellectual Property Organization defines Geographical Indications as markers on goods indicating a specific geographical origin, signifying qualities, reputation, or characteristics inherent to that locale.

A group of citizens on Saturday demonstrated in Tangail against the Geographical Indication tag of handloom sarees native to this central region of Bangladesh, but claimed by India.

The demonstrators wielding placards demanded urgent government intervention to secure the GI status for Tangail sarees, a matter of national cultural heritage.

 

[Saif]

What else can be expected from cheap and shameless Indians. Tangail saree has originated from Tangail of Bangladesh not West Bengal of India.

 

[Bilal9]

What else can be expected from cheap and shameless Indians. Tangail saree has originated from Tangail of Bangladesh not West Bengal of India.

To be fair - it was a limited number of people in their govt. who took this shameless step. But I guess any shameless step to score a point, before it's inevitably lost.
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Immediate action to be taken to get Tangail saree GI in Bangladesh: Textile minister​

File photo of Jahangir Kabir Nanak. Photo: Collected

Urgent and effective measures will be taken to get the patent – the Geographical Indication (GI) – of Tangail saree in Bangladesh, Textiles and Jute Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak said today (4 February).

"We have urgently met with all concerned in the ministry and instructions have been given," the minister told reporters after visiting the Jute Directorate in the capital's Motijheel.

Earlier on 2 February, India's Ministry of Culture claimed that the Tangail saree originated in West Bengal, sparking outrage from netizens as the traditional saree is widely considered to have originated from Bangladesh's Tangail district.

"The Tangail saree, originating from West Bengal, is a traditional handwoven masterpiece. Renowned for its fine texture, vibrant colours, and intricate Jamdani motifs, it epitomises the region's rich cultural heritage," the ministry wrote in a post on Facebook on Thursday (1 February).

Later, on 3 February, citizens and businessmen of Tangail organised various programmes demanding that the Geographical Indication (GI) of Tangail saree be recognised as a Bangladeshi product instead of an Indian one.



Tangail citizens, businessmen protest India acquiring GI for Tangail saree

At the event today, the minister directed officials concerned to take effective measures to stop using middlemen for ensuring reasonable raw jute prices to farmers.

Noting that the use of jute bags is mandatory for 19 products as per the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act, 2010, the minister said, "If someone uses plastic for these products, then strict legal actions will be taken.

"Although the campaign is ongoing throughout the country, a special campaign has to be conducted in the current context."

Jahangir, also an Awami League presidium member, said the production of jute has increased manifold in recent years due to proper supply of seeds to ensure jute cultivation besides providing other inputs to the farmers.

"In order to ensure the supply of raw jute required in the country and to speed up the export of jute and jute products, the market price of jute is always being monitored… which is playing an important role in export earnings," he said.

He further said the government's consistent and timely support continues to enrich and modernise the jute sector of Bangladesh.

"At present, policy support is being provided to the jute sector stakeholders besides providing cash assistance to the export of versatile jute products.

"In the current era of sustainable development, there has been a huge demand for eco-friendly jute and jute products worldwide. Everyone must work together to increase the export of eco-friendly jute products." he said.

Secretary of the textile and jute ministry Abdur Rauf, Director General of the Jute Directorate Selina Hossain and other senior officials were present on the occasion among others.

 

[Saif]

When has Nanak become so brave to go against Indian interest?

 

[Saif]

Ten biggest textile mills of Bangladesh.