[🇧🇩] Textile & RMG Industry of Bangladesh

[Saif]

RMG sector pays tribute to Rakib

The readymade garment (RMG) sector bid a heartfelt farewell to Abdullah Hil Rakib, founder and managing director of Team Group, at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka, before he was laid to rest at the BAF Shaheen graveyard on Saturday. A stalwart of the industry for over three decades, Rakib died i

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RMG sector pays tribute to Rakib

FE REPORT
Published :
Jun 15, 2025 09:37
Updated :
Jun 15, 2025 09:37

The readymade garment (RMG) sector bid a heartfelt farewell to Abdullah Hil Rakib, founder and managing director of Team Group, at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka, before he was laid to rest at the BAF Shaheen graveyard on Saturday. A stalwart of the industry for over three decades, Rakib died in a boating accident in Canada on June 8.

At the farewell ceremony, industry leaders gathered to honour his legacy and pledge to carry forward his unfinished dreams, particularly his vision of reaching $100 billion in RMG exports.

Former BGMEA president Faruque Hassan reflected on Rakib's lifelong dedication to family, business, and the RMG sector. "Rakib was always the first to step forward in times of crisis," he said.

Rakib served as a senior vice president of BGMEA and was deeply involved in the growth of Bangladesh's apparel sector. Md. Abul Kalam, Managing Director of Chaity Group, highlighted Rakib's ambition to elevate Bangladesh's apparel exports to $100 billion, committing to making that dream a reality.

Former BGMEA president SM Fazlul Hoque called Rakib a "shining light" with many dreams, while Quazi Moniruzzaman, another past president, praised Rakib for creating countless job opportunities.

Rakib's vision extended beyond business, including skills development, design, sustainability and branding Bangladesh globally. Asif Ashraf, Managing Director of Urmi Group, paid tribute to Rakib's vision for the nation's collective progress and better governance.

The ceremony was attended by Rakib's grieving family, including his wife Afroza Shaheen and children Mahir Daiyan and Lamia Tabassum. In a tearful tribute, Lamia pledged to fulfil her father's legacy.

Rakib's body was brought back to Dhaka on Friday night, and the first namaz-e-janaza was held at the BGMEA Complex on Saturday morning, followed by a second prayer after Zuhr at Banani DOHS. He was laid to rest at the BAF Shaheen graveyard. Rakib and his close friend Captain Md. Saifuzzaman Guddu of Biman Bangladesh Airlines died in the same boating accident in Canada.

Rakib is survived by his wife and two children. His family have been residing in Toronto for the children's education. Rakib had travelled to Canada to celebrate Eid with his family when the accident occurred.​

 

[Saif]

BGMEA signs MoU with Textilepages to enhance access to international buyers

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Textilepages.com, a global B2B platform, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday at the former’s Uttara office in the city. This partnership aims to empower BGMEA member factories, particularly small and

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BGMEA signs MoU with Textilepages to enhance access to international buyers

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Jun 15, 2025 20:44
Updated :
Jun 15, 2025 20:44

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Textilepages.com, a global B2B platform, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday at the former’s Uttara office in the city.

This partnership aims to empower BGMEA member factories, particularly small and medium-sized exporters, by enhancing their digital presence and enabling direct access to international buyers free of charge, according to a statement.

Under the agreement, BGMEA members will gain access to key features of Textilepages.com, a leading global B2B platform dedicated to the textile and apparel industry.

It supports the broader mission of increasing Bangladesh’s export potential through digital transformation and global visibility.

Md Anwar Hossain, the administrator of BGMEA, said, “In today’s global market, digital visibility is essential for growth. This partnership will help our members, especially SMEs, connect with buyers worldwide and showcase the strength of Bangladesh’s apparel industry.”

Rahman Rob Bhuiyan, founder of Textilepages.com, BGMEA vice presidents Inamul Haq Khan Bablu and Shehab Udduza Chowdhury, among others, were also present.​

 

[Saif]

BGMEA, Swisscontact join forces

The apparel apex body, BGMEA and Swisscontact have joined forces to drive sustainable and inclusive transformation in the country’s readymade garments (RMG) sector. In this connection, Swisscontact and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Sunday signed a Memo

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BGMEA, Swisscontact join forces

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Jun 15, 2025 20:19
Updated :
Jun 15, 2025 20:19

The apparel apex body, BGMEA and Swisscontact have joined forces to drive sustainable and inclusive transformation in the country’s readymade garments (RMG) sector.

In this connection, Swisscontact and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the trade body’s headquarters in Uttara in the city, according to a statement.

The MoU formalises collaboration under three flagship projects implemented by Swisscontact – PROGRESS (Promoting Green Growth in the RMG Sector through Skills), InSPIRE (Initiative to Stimulate Private Investment for Resource Efficiency) and BYETS (Building Youth Employability through Skills).

The first two projects are funded by the Embassy of Sweden and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), while the third is funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands.

The MoU brings together BGMEA’s industry reach and Swisscontact’s development expertise to collaborate and promote sustainability, focusing on skills development for women and youth, environmental and social compliance, clean energy adoption, and joint outreach to support factory-level transformation in the RMG sector, added the statement.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ikramul H Sohel, Senior Programme Officer – Inclusive Economic Development of the Embassy of Sweden in Dhaka, said, “The Swedish government prioritises empowering MSMEs and advancing gender equality within the RMG sector. We believe this partnership between Swisscontact and BGMEA will bring these priorities to life by catalysing meaningful, long-term change that benefits both workers and businesses.”

BGMEA Administrator Anwar Hossain said, “This MoU reflects our commitment to strengthening Bangladesh’s RMG sector by enhancing competitiveness through innovation, workforce development, and sustainability. We look forward to working with Swisscontact to create tangible impact across the industry.”

“We are excited to join hands with BGMEA to scale our efforts in making the RMG sector more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable,” said Ishrat Fatema, Deputy Country Director of Swisscontact Bangladesh.

BGMEA's newly elected senior vice president Inamul Haq Khan Bablu and its Support Committee members Asif Ashraf and ANM Saifuddin were also present there.​

 

[Saif]

Iran-Israel conflict may affect Bangladesh’s RMG sector: BGMEA president

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel might affect the country’s readymade garment business as the global prices of oil could rise due to the war, causing a hike in operational costs locally. “The Iran-Israel war could be a new challenge for the local garment industry, that coul

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Iran-Israel conflict may affect Bangladesh’s RMG sector: BGMEA president

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Jun 16, 2025 19:48
Updated :
Jun 16, 2025 19:48

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel might affect the country’s readymade garment business as the global prices of oil could rise due to the war, causing a hike in operational costs locally.

“The Iran-Israel war could be a new challenge for the local garment industry, that could result in a rise in global oil prices. And sustaining the competitiveness amid such a situation could be very challenging,” Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, the newly elected president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said on Monday.

He made the remark at the charge handover ceremony of the BGMEA held at its Uttara office in the city.

The newly elected BGMEA board of directors, led by its president Mahmud Hasan Khan, took charge of the trade body for the term of 2025-2027.​

 

[Saif]

Most of the RMG factories were closed before August 5: Dr Sakhawat

Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain on Wednesday said some garments factories experienced closures before last year’s August 5 although it was often mentioned that these closures were taken place after August 5. “The owners of these garments factories to

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Most of the RMG factories were closed before August 5: Dr Sakhawat

UNB
Published :
Jun 25, 2025 19:44
Updated :
Jun 25, 2025 19:44

Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain on Wednesday said some garments factories experienced closures before last year’s August 5 although it was often mentioned that these closures were taken place after August 5.

“The owners of these garments factories took huge loans from the banks but they did not pay the salaries and dues of the employees timely,” he said while talking to journalists after attending a seminar at Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC).

The Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur, organized the seminar with the participation of military officers of different ranks from 24 countries.

The adviser said that the owners of these garments have taken loans ranging from Tk 2 billion to Tk 3 billion from banks and most of them are now defaulters. Now, the banks are not giving more loans to them as they did not refund the money timely, Dr Sakhawat said.

Most of the owners of these garments have already left the country due to their own crisis as they ran their business with political connections, he added.

Replying to another question, Dr Sakhawat claimed that most of the employees of recently closed Beximco Group have already joined different factories across the country including Chattogram.​

 

[Saif]

3-day int’l textile expo begins

The 16th edition of Intex Bangladesh Expo 2025 began on Wednesday at International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital...

www.newagebd.net

3-day int’l textile expo begins
Staff Correspondent 25 June, 2025, 22:29

The 16th edition of Intex Bangladesh Expo 2025 began on Wednesday at International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital.

The three-day international textile sourcing show is hosting over 125 companies from more than 10 countries, providing a dynamic platform for global buyers, suppliers and manufacturers, said a press release.

Commerce secretary Mahbubur Rahman was present as chief guest and Export Promotion Bureau chairman Md Anwar Hossain as guest of honour in the inaugural event.

Mahbubur Rahman said, ‘Bangladesh is no longer just a volume player — it’s emerging fast as a global hub for sustainable, value-added apparel manufacturing. With strategic investment in innovation, compliance and skilled workforce, the country is well-positioned to lead the next chapter of responsible fashion and textile sourcing. We believe that a platform like INTEX Bangladesh will play a major role in achieving our strategic goals while ensuring quality products in a competitive global market.’

This year’s expo features prominent country pavilions. India, through TEXPROCIL and PDEXCIL, is showcasing cotton, blends and sustainable textiles; China brings technical fabrics and garment trims; South Korea features eco-friendly performance materials; while Thailand and Japan contribute premium shirting and woven products. Bangladeshi exhibitors are highlighting advancements in knitwear, denim and vertically integrated production solutions.

As part of the expo, Interactive Business Forum will host two thought-provoking sessions. The first explores the integration of AI in textile production and fashion, while the second addresses the impact of global tariffs and trade shifts on Bangladeshi exports.​

 

[Saif]

Muslin’s revival weaves past into present

On a golden summer morning in Rupganj, Narayanganj, the sound of handlooms echoes from tin-roofed sheds nestled amid winding village paths and open fields.

www.thedailystar.net

Muslin’s revival weaves past into present

A centuries-old fabric once lost to history is being revived -- and with it, a new generation of artisans, mostly women, are weaving their way into the economy.

Photo: Ibrahim Khalil Ibu

On a golden summer morning in Rupganj, Narayanganj, the sound of handlooms echoes from tin-roofed sheds nestled amid winding village paths and open fields. Inside, women and men sit in quiet focus, spinning delicate threads. Here, in the heart of what was once Bengal's muslin belt, a fabric that disappeared nearly two centuries ago is being reborn -- and with it, the livelihoods of hundreds of rural artisans.

The Dhakai muslin revival project, formally titled Bangladesh's Golden Heritage: Muslin Yarn Making Technology and Revival of Muslin Fabrics, was launched in 2018 with a budget of Tk 12.1 crore. Its goals were ambitious: to rediscover the lost phuti karpas cotton, retrain weavers in long-forgotten techniques, and re-establish muslin as a symbol of national pride -- and rural prosperity.

What began as a heritage restoration initiative has evolved into a grassroots economic movement, creating employment, empowering women, and anchoring a new kind of rural artisan economy in the legacy of an ancient craft.

For nearly 200 years, the threads of muslin lay broken. Once draped across Mughal emperors and traded across Europe and the Middle East, Dhakai muslin collapsed under the combined weight of colonial violence, industrial competition, and economic neglect. British policies in the 18th and 19th centuries, including punitive taxation, import substitution, and, according to some historical accounts, deliberate sabotage, brought the muslin industry to its knees. The decline of the Mughal Empire and the disappearance of phuti karpas, the rare cotton plant used in muslin, sealed its fate.

Not until 2014 did serious efforts begin to revive it. That year, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute issued a directive: bring back muslin. Four years later, the project was formally launched under the Bangladesh Handloom Board. A research committee was formed, including experts from Bangladesh Textile University, Rajshahi University, BTMC, and the Cotton Development Board.

"We launched this project to revive our heritage and golden past," said Md Ayub Ali, the project's director. "And we worked with that goal in mind."

The first challenge was scientific: to locate and cultivate phuti karpas again. But equally vital was the rediscovery of ultra-fine hand-spinning techniques -- the kind once capable of producing yarn counts above 500, so fine it could pass through a signet ring.

In Chandina and Debidwar in Cumilla, researchers found ageing artisans still producing low-count yarns on foot-powered spindles. Through rigorous training and patient mentoring, many have now reached counts as high as 731, approaching the legendary fineness of historical muslin.

Beyond historical restoration, the project has offered a lifeline to hundreds of rural women who had little or no access to income. Among them is Marjia Begum, 18, from a small village near Narayanganj.

"I had to stop school during the coronavirus lockdown. We just couldn't afford anything anymore," she said. Having studied up to class 9, she faced a future filled with economic uncertainty. "I was not in any job, and I had no skills. I used to just sit at home, worried all the time," she recalled.

Her life changed when she was selected for muslin training under the revival initiative. "At first, I didn't even understand what muslin really was," she said, laughing. "But the trainers were patient. Slowly, I began to love it."

Marjia now earns Tk 550 a day -- enough to support her family and save for the future. "It's not just a job," she said. "This is dignity. I can help my parents. I feel important."

Like Marjia, most of the 327 women trained so far had previously been engaged in unpaid domestic work. "Out of 327 women weavers, 300 were in domestic work, which we do not value economically," said Ayub Ali. "They've come out, taken training, and are now contributing. This is a major achievement in women's empowerment."

The structure of the workday, typically from 7 am to 2 pm, allows women to balance paid work with household responsibilities. Many bring their children to the muslin centres, where they play nearby.

Jayeda Akter Joba, 24, lives near Dhaka Muslin House in Rupganj. "I finished higher secondary school, but after that, I couldn't study further. We often struggled to eat even once a day," she said. Curious about the training, she joined. "I'd read that kings and queens once wore muslin. I never thought I'd help make it."

After six months of training, Joba now earns a stable income. "I support my family with my husband, pay for my children's expenses, and I no longer feel like a burden."

WEAVING SKILL, HISTORY AND DIGNITY

Mohsina Akhter, 33, began her career as a domestic help in Chandina, Cumilla. Today, she is a supervisor and trainer at the Dhaka Muslin House. "It took me two to three years of practice to master the technique," she said. Now earning Tk 16,800 per month, she trains other women and supports her family. "I feel proud, not just for what I make, but for what I pass on."

Aasia Begum, 31, worked for years as a Jamdani weaver before transitioning to muslin. "Jamdani is easier," she explained. "Muslin is much more delicate. Everything is done by hand -- spinning, weaving -- and it takes a long time. I often get back pain from sitting for hours."

Despite the difficulties, Aasia has completed three full muslin pieces. "It's something our ancestors were famous for. I'm proud to be part of this history."

Yet even pride has its limits. "If this project continues and our income increases, we'll be more empowered and the muslin industry will rise again," she said.

That tension -- between cultural legacy and economic viability -- is echoed by other artisans.

Sabuj Mia, a senior weaver, said: "We're proud to bring muslin back, but for us artisans to stay committed, we need fair wages that match the time and effort this work demands. If income grows steadily, muslin won't just survive, it will thrive."

He added that many artisans are the sole breadwinners in their families. "We can't keep going just on pride. We need consistent support and better pay. Then this heritage won't be a burden -- it'll be a future."

The project has achieved symbolic milestones. In March 2021, muslin received geographical indication (GI) certification. In July the same year, it won the national Public Administration Medal (institutional category), recognising its role in reviving a critical piece of Bangladesh's cultural identity.

The Dhaka Muslin House, established in Tarabo along the Shitalakshya River, once a thriving zone of muslin trade, now functions as both a production hub and a living museum.

In the first phase, artisans produced 58 pieces of muslin cloth, including 27 sarees -- some complete, others still in progress, as well as scarves and veils. These pieces are not being sold commercially, but serve as research and exhibition material.

A second phase began in March 2025 and will run until mid-2027. It aims to refine cotton varieties, improve pre-weaving processes, and train private entrepreneurs for future scale-up. "We plan to transfer the project to private hands for long-term commercial production, both nationally and globally," said Ali.

Still, concerns linger over job security. Many workers remain under project-based contracts, with uncertain continuity. During funding gaps or administrative lulls, some artisans have left for garment factories, lured by more stable income. For muslin to flourish, workers say, it needs not just pride but protection.

A FABRIC OF THE FUTURE

Today, muslin is more than a cloth. It is a return on cultural investment, a rediscovery of skill, dignity, and economic value rooted in tradition. The revival of Dhakai muslin illustrates what heritage restoration can achieve when paired with inclusive employment, targeted training, and sustained institutional support.

And in the fingers of women like Marjia, the legacy of Bengal's most exquisite fabric is being rewoven -- not just into cloth, but into lives, livelihoods, and a future stitched with purpose.

While the term "muslin" continues to be used commercially by fashion brands, much of it is in name only, Md Monzur Hossain, professor of Botany at Rajshahi University and a member of the muslin research team, said. "Muslin is still being marketed by various fashion companies, but mostly as a trade name because the word 'muslin' has commercial appeal," he said. "If you use the name, it sells."

But true Dhakai muslin, he emphasised, must meet specific criteria in both material and technique. "Authentic Dhakai muslin must be made entirely of cotton and woven with yarn of a specific count," he said, adding that the revival project even developed a new spinning wheel to meet these traditional standards.

"Whether the yarn is 300 count and produced locally or imported -- these are critical considerations," Hossain added. "If these criteria aren't met, it can't be called genuine Dhakai muslin."​

 

[Saif]

Textile waste can be exported to Pakistan: BGMEA

Pakistan can meet the growing demands of its recycling industry by importing garment industry waste (textile waste) from Bangladesh, said Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, president of the BGMEA on Sunday...

www.newagebd.net

Textile waste can be exported to Pakistan: BGMEA
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 29 June, 2025, 22:03

Pakistan can meet the growing demands of its recycling industry by importing garment industry waste (textile waste) from Bangladesh, said Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, president of the BGMEA on Sunday.

He said Bangladesh is the largest producer of jute in the world, and there is significant demand for Bangladeshi jute fibre in Pakistan.

‘If Pakistan imports jute fibre, it will be beneficial for both the countries,’ said the BGMEA President.

He made the remarks when Muhammad Wasif, Chargé d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission paid a courtesy visit to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association office in Uttara on Sunday, said a BGMEA press release.

Trade and Investment Attaché of the high commission Zain Aziz, BGMEA vice-president Md Rezwan Selim, and directors Faisal Samad, Sumaiya Islam, and Fahima Akhter were present at the meeting.

The meeting focused on strengthening and expanding trade ties between the two nations, particularly in the garment and textile sectors, and explored other potential areas of cooperation.

The release said discussions included increasing textile imports from Pakistan and exporting ready-made garments and accessories from Bangladesh to Pakistan. Bangladesh has made notable progress in garment accessories production.

Both sides agreed to share knowledge, send business delegations, and collaborate on exhibitions and workshops.

They also discussed the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) previously signed between the BGMEA and the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) to promote bilateral trade.

The BGMEA President emphasized that active involvement from business communities in both the countries is vital for the MoU’s implementation.

Both parties agreed to appoint focal points to further accelerate trade and investment cooperation.​

 

[Saif]

undefined | The Financial Express

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TRUMP TARIFFS
US fashion cos plan further China dependency cut: Study

Monira Munni
Published :
Jul 01, 2025 00:02
Updated :
Jul 01, 2025 00:02

US fashion companies plan to further cut their dependency on China due to the Trump administration's escalating tariffs and policy uncertainties, according to the findings of a survey.

"Far from surprising, many leading US fashion companies expressed concerns that the Trump administration's escalating tariffs have resulted in higher sourcing costs and cut companies' profit margins," the survey said.

"To mitigate these impacts, most companies plan to further reduce their 'China exposure,' maintain a geographically diversified sourcing base, and prioritise flexibility in sourcing and shipping," it said.

With the hiking tariff rate on US apparel imports from China and increasing strategic competition between the two countries, many leading US fashion companies plan to reduce their apparel sourcing from China to a single-digit, if not move out of the country entirely, it added.

Local exporters, however, see business opportunities, saying Bangladesh has the capacity to grab the possible shifted work orders with a competitive edge, provided it addresses internal issues like the energy crisis and other logistics-related barriers.

Dr Sheng Lu, a professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware, analysed the available data and transcripts of the latest earnings calls from approximately 25 leading publicly traded US fashion companies between mid-May and June 2025, as well as covered company performances in the first quarter of this year.

The study aimed to examine the impacts of the Trump administration's escalating tariffs on US fashion companies' apparel sourcing practices.

It found no clear evidence that the current policy environment has successfully incentivised US companies to expand apparel sourcing from the Western Hemisphere, let alone commit to new long-term investments.

Meanwhile, US fashion companies have adopted a strategic pricing approach by not passing the entire cost increase to consumers through widespread retail price hikes.

Maintaining a geographically diverse sourcing base remains a popular strategy for US fashion companies to mitigate the impacts of increasing tariffs and ongoing policy uncertainties.

Companies particularly intend to avoid "putting too many eggs in one basket" and limiting the reliance on any single supplying country.

When asked, Fazlul Hoque, managing director of Plummy Fashions Ltd, said there is immense potential for Bangladesh amid the US existing flat rate of an additional 10 per cent tariff.

Exports would rise if Bangladesh performs better with efficiency and enhanced capacity, especially for value-added items, he said.

Mr Hoque, also a former president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), however, said the prices of new orders of locally made apparels would increase, while the real prices offered by buyers would fall further, which is a challenge.

Also, India could be a new competitor for Bangladesh.

Despite the challenges, orders shifted from China can come here, but questions remain about the extent to which Bangladesh can grab the opportunity with the existing internal issues like the energy crisis, high bank interest rates, low efficiency, and incentive cuts.

Exporters said on average, local suppliers have to take the 50 per cent cost burden of the US enhanced tariff (additional 10 per cent), with the three-month pause ending on July 9.

Shovon Islam, managing director of Sparrow Group, said the growth in apparel exports to both the European Union (EU) and the US in recent months has shown that Bangladesh, followed by India and Pakistan, is one of the gainers from order shifts from China.

There is also a high potential to get higher chunks of the shifts, he said, raising questions about whether Bangladesh could and would grab the future share as the country still depends on imported raw materials, mostly for value-added items and manmade fibres (MMF).

There is no fresh investment to enhance capacity, especially MMF and other high value-added items, he noted.

The growth could be higher if garment makers get the required financial support from banks as they got earlier due to the tightening monetary policy and energy shortages, among others, said Mr Islam.

He alleged that exporters are in the dark over what would happen after July 9 as they get no clear message from the government about what measures it is taking or going to take over the new US tariffs.

Besides, he said about 15 per cent of work orders for the spring season have been kept on hold, while he received 10 per cent fewer orders for the holiday season, mostly Christmas.

That is why they could not communicate with buyers in this regard, he noted. Sayeed Ahmad Chowdhury, director of operation at Square Denim, expressed concern as to how much of the shifting orders from China Bangladesh could grab, saying the country has lost a good volume of production capacity due to the closure of several vertically integrated groups of companies, including Beximco, Nassa, and Mahmud.

Stressing capacity enhancement, he said many factories, especially textile units located in Bhaluka and Gazipur, cannot use their full production capacity due to poor energy supply.

Factories mostly having relations with "weak banks" are still struggling to open letters of credit (LCs) while infrastructure and other logistics issues finally resulted in an increase in lead times, he added.

Data shows China's share in the US market in 2013 was 37.7 per cent, which decreased to 21.3 per cent in 2023.

In the meantime, Bangladesh's share rose to 9.0 per cent in 2023, which was 6.0 per cent in 2013.

Vietnam grabbed 17.8 per cent of the US apparel market in 2023, up from 10 per cent in 2013. India's share stood at 5.8 per cent in 2023, which was 4.0 per cent in 2013.

Cambodia and Pakistan's shares stood at 4.3 per cent and 2.6 per cent, respectively, in 2023, which were 3.2 per cent and 1.9 per cent in 2013.​

 

[Saif]

BGMEA team meets BIDA-BEZA chief to discuss sustainable growth of RMG sector

A high-level delegation from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) today (Monday) met with Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) at the BIDA O

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BGMEA team meets BIDA-BEZA chief to discuss sustainable growth of RMG sector

Published :
Jun 30, 2025 19:53
Updated :
Jun 30, 2025 19:53

A high-level delegation from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) today (Monday) met with Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) at the BIDA Office in the city in an effort to promote sustainable development and increase investment in the country's ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

The BGMEA delegation was led by its President, Mahmud Hasan Khan, and Vice President, Mijanur Rahman, alongside other senior members of the association, BSS reports citing a press release.

The meeting covered a wide range of topics that are important to the RMG industry, such as infrastructure support, gas supply, LNG import prices, dependable energy access, and access to reasonably priced financing. A simpler VAT and tax system for the circular economy and clothing recycling subsector was also emphasised by the delegation.

BGMEA Vice President Mijanur Rahman emphasized the necessity of revisiting the current loan classification policy of Bangladesh Bank to facilitate investment by genuine entrepreneurs.

"We urge BIDA to raise this issue with the Governor of Bangladesh Bank for constructive policy reform," he stated.

He also called for NBR(National Board of Revenue)'s audit mechanisms to be more consultative and less burdensome for industry stakeholders, adding, "Entrepreneurs expect a transparent, discussion-based audit environment that supports, not stifles, industrial growth."

Speaking at the event, Mahmud Hasan Khan announced plans to establish a large integrated garment industrial complex in Chattogram on at least 10 acres of land.

"This hub, designed as a multi-factory facility, will allow numerous small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to operate under one roof, which will reduce production costs, streamline investment processes, and boost competitiveness," he noted.

During the meeting, Ashik Chowdhury highlighted the RMG industry as a vital component of Bangladesh's economic growth.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to deepening public-private collaboration and assured BGMEA of BIDA's full support through policy facilitation and structured industry consultation to accelerate the sector's sustainable growth.​