[🇧🇩] Textile & RMG Industry of Bangladesh

[Saif]

Bangladesh to stay as top cotton importer in 2025-26

Bangladesh, the second largest exporter of readymade garment items, is poised to remain the world’s largest raw cotton importer in the marketing year 2025-26, said the US Department of Agriculture...

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Bangladesh to stay as top cotton importer in 2025-26
USDA says
Saddam Hossain 20 May, 2025, 23:30

A file photo shows a worker overseeing a cotton processing machine at a factory in Habiganj. | New Age photo

Bangladesh, the second largest exporter of readymade garment items, is poised to remain the world’s largest raw cotton importer in the marketing year 2025-26, said the US Department of Agriculture.

According to the data titled ‘Cotton: World Markets and Trade’ issued by the Foreign Agricultural Service under USDA, Bangladesh is projected to import 8.5 million bales of cotton in MY26, which starts in August.

USDA data show that in MY24, Bangladesh imported about 7.5 million bales of cotton from its global sources, which may increase to 8.2 million bales at the end of the current MY25.

Vietnam, one of the closest competitors of Bangladesh in the RMG export, is projected to import 8 million bales of cotton in MY26, where China may import 7 million bales, which imported 15 million bales in MY24.

However, Bangladesh remained top cotton importers, with 7 million bales import in MY23, and 8.45 million bales in MY22.

Meanwhile, on March 31, the USDA, in its report titled ‘Cotton and Products Annual,’ stated that Bangladesh’s cotton imports would witness a slight increase in MY26 thanks to increasing demand for RMG items.

According to the Export Promotion Bureau data, in the July-April period of the current FY25, Bangladesh’s RMG exports witnessed a positive growth of 10.86 per cent year-on-year to $30.25 billion.

In MY24, West African cotton held the largest market share in Bangladesh (37 per cent), while other major exporters included Brazil (17 per cent), India (23 per cent), and the United States (9 per cent).

US cotton growers and exporters tried to expand their exports to Bangladesh for years.

It is to be noted that in early April, the US administration announced hefty duties on multiple countries as part of sweeping global tariffs, and Bangladesh was also slapped with a 37 per cent reciprocal tariff. Currently, most Bangladeshi goods in the US face a 15 per cent tariff.

However, after a few days, the US administration paused the declared tariff for a 90-day period.

A number of exporters and experts suggested raising the import of US cotton to reduce the trade gap between Bangladesh and the US.

On 2023, Bangladesh lifted the double fumigation requirement for US cotton, meant US cotton could enter Bangladesh without fumigation at the port of entry, which saved importers millions of dollars and five days of waiting time.

Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said Bangladesh could import more cotton from the US as a part of a broader strategy to reduce the trade gap between the two countries.

He said that the USDA’s import forecast strongly ratifies Bangladesh’s capability to maintain and expand its leadership in the global RMG value chain.

He also said that importing a large amount of cotton from the US may reinforce Bangladesh’s position for bargaining for duty-free access for its RMG items to the US.

He also said that the government’s position in this regard is appreciable.

He added that cotton will always remain vital as a crucial raw material for Bangladesh’s spinners and knitwear producers as a primary source of natural and sustainable fibre.

According to the USDA, Bangladeshi producers could produce about 153,000 bales of cotton on 45,000 hectares of land, which is less than 2 per cent of its total consumption.​

 

[Saif]

Textile mills gasp from severe disruption in gas supply

Textile and garment industry owners said that due to the inadequate supply of gas, the normal manufacturing activities is being hampered in the industry...

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Textile mills gasp from severe disruption in gas supply
Staff Correspondent 25 May, 2025, 22:59

BTMA president addresses the press conference organised by the Bangladesh Textile Mill Association in the capital on Sunday. | Press release

Textile and garment industry owners said that due to the inadequate supply of gas, the normal manufacturing activities is being hampered in the industry.

Moreover, a number of textile mills are on the verge of shutting down as they are unable to operate even at minimum capacity.

They were speaking at a press conference organised by the Bangladesh Textile Mill Association in the capital on Sunday.

Representatives from Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Terry Towel and Linen Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Chamber of Industries were also present at the event.

BTMA president Showkat Aziz Russell said that the sector was going through a gas supply shortage for the past few months, and it became severe in the last few weeks.

He also said that the government was reluctant to resolve the crises and the sector was passing through a hard time.

‘The government seems like ostrich, everyone is saying about their problems but they hide their head in the sands,’ he added.

He also said that the factories are being strangled to death through anti-industry actions and the working capital has shrunk drastically.

‘It seems that we cannot pay wages and festival allowances properly before Eid and we won’t be able to reopen the factories after Eid,’ he added.

He also said that in 1971, intellectuals were systematically targeted and killed. In 2025, the industry and the industrialists are being targeted destroyed, he added.

He also said that the failure to save the industry could lead the country towards famine.

He sought immediate governmental measures to ensure smooth and uninterrupted gas supply to the textile industries of the country.

‘The government has failed to provide adequate gas supply to the industries despite hike in the prices several time and repeated commitments,’ he added.

But, the government is now setting a deadline for the factories to pay wages, otherwise, the owners will be arrested, and their houses and cars will be sold, he lamented.

‘Government should introduce a mid-term strategy and roadmap to resolve the gas and energy issues,’ he added.

He also said that there was about 20 per cent system loss in Titas Gas, though the global standard is 1 per cent to 2 per cent.

‘If the government take immediate measures to stop system loss, it would be lowered to 7 per cent to 8 per cent,’ he added.

BCI president Anwar Ul Alam Chowdhury said that the government committed to provide required mmcf of gas, but they couldn’t supply.

The government has hiked gas price, interest rates for which factories run only 60 per cent of their capacity.

Jakir Hossain Noyon, member of the assistant committee of the FBCCI, said that government must focus on exploring new gas field to meet the demands.

He also urged the government to start Small Modular Reactor technology for the industry.

BTMA director Rajeev Haidar also urged to drill new gas field.

BTMA vice-president Saleudh Zaman Khan said that if the government did not take proper action, Bangladesh would not see the birth of new entrepreneurs.

‘If the government couldn’t solve the problems by June, a number of factories will shut after the Eid,’ he added.

Business leaders from many other trade bodies also spoke at the event.​

 

[Saif]

High-level consultation held to align on single monitoring and compliance system for RMG sector

A high-level consultation meeting towards alignment for a Single Monitoring and Compliance System (SMCS) was held on Tuesday at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara. The event was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufac

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High-level consultation held to align on single monitoring and compliance system for RMG sector

FE Online Report
Published :
May 27, 2025 23:21
Updated :
May 27, 2025 23:55

A high-level consultation meeting towards alignment for a Single Monitoring and Compliance System (SMCS) was held on Tuesday at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara.

The event was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), and major global brands such as M&S, GAP, Inditex, and Li & Fung, alongside members of BGMEA and BKMEA.

Discussions centered around the persistent challenge of overlapping audits and compliance requirements in the RMG and textile sector.

The participants highlighted how this leads to audit fatigue, duplication of efforts, and inefficient use of resources.

This consultation focused on discussing ways to establish a common platform to streamline monitoring and compliance practices for enhanced sector-wide efficiency and accountability.

The session was chaired by Md. Anwar Hossain, Administrator, BGMEA. ANM Saifuddin, Supporting Committee Member, BGMEA, moderated the discussion, while Fazlee Ehsan Shamim, Executive President, BKMEA, also spoke at the meeting.

In his remarks, Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director of ILO Bangladesh, stressed the importance of developing a credible and inclusive national system. He highlighted the need for trust-building and institutional collaboration to ensure the system’s success and sustainability.

BGMEA Administrator Md. Anwar Hossain underscored the need to address fragmentation in audits to minimize fatigue and highlighted the importance of a common compliance platform with a credible and internationally accepted unified code of conduct for social and technical audits.

He emphasized that this would benefit all stakeholders — buyers, manufacturers, and workers alike.

Anwar Hossain urged the ILO to take the lead in facilitating its development.

All brand representatives and stakeholders present expressed support for the initiative.

BGMEA and BKMEA will jointly develop a concept paper outlining the scope, rationale, and framework of a unified monitoring and compliance system, according to meeting sources.

Stakeholder consultations will be initiated to identify common compliance indicators across trade bodies, employers, trade unions, brands, and auditing experts.

The initiative aims to lay the groundwork for a trusted and transparent national compliance system aligned with global expectations and the Bangladeshi context.​

 

[Saif]

Over half of registered RMG factories pay festival allowance ahead of deadline: BGMEA

Over 53 per cent, or 1,126 garment factories registered with the apparel apex body — Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association— paid festival allowances as of Wednesday, three days before the set deadline, according to data from the BGMEA. The trade body, in a circular

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Over half of registered RMG factories pay festival allowance ahead of deadline: BGMEA

FE Online Report
Published :
May 28, 2025 19:47
Updated :
May 28, 2025 22:19

Over 53 per cent, or 1,126 garment factories registered with the apparel apex body — Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association— paid festival allowances as of Wednesday, three days before the set deadline, according to data from the BGMEA.

The trade body, in a circular issued on May 26 citing the government’s decision, asked all its members to pay the festival allowance by May 31 and the monthly wages for May by June 3.

“But, if necessary, May wages could be paid before the Eid holiday starts, considering production and shipment, after discussions with respective workers,” read the notification.

It further added that, in such cases, factory management must ensure there is no labour unrest.

According to the BGMEA, some 2,092 factories listed with the trade body are currently in operation.

Some 46.18 per cent, or 966 factories, had not paid the festival allowance as of Wednesday, data showed.

It also showed that four units in the Gazipur, Savar, and Ashulia industrial zones out of the 2,092 factories suspended operations on Wednesday for various reasons.

Two factories located in Gazipur — Hong Kong Fashion Ltd and Hagh Knitwear Ltd — had not paid wages for the month of March as of Wednesday, while about two dozen factories had not paid wages for the month of April.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh now has 244 green RMG factories

Now Bangladesh has 244 readymade garment factories certified by the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design authorities as another unit achieved status of green factory. ..

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh now has 244 green RMG factories
Staff Correspondent 28 May, 2025, 23:06

Now Bangladesh has 244 readymade garment factories certified by the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design authorities as another unit achieved status of green factory.

Of the 244 green factories, 102 are platinum-rated, 128 gold-rated, 10 silver-rated and four certified factories, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

In May, Gazipur-based Esprit Apparels Ltd achieved a platinum certificate from the USGBC under LEED BD+C: New Construction v4 rating system with a score of 101.

So far, 68 of the world’s top 100 LEED factories, including nine of the top 10 and 18 of the top 20, are in Bangladesh.

This success is expected to attract new investment and partnerships, reinforcing Bangladesh’s position as a sustainable manufacturing hub.

According to industry insiders, a total of 550 factories were awaiting the USGBC’s LEED certification.

The factories of Bangladesh have been obtaining the LEED certificate since 2011.

The USGBC honours factories based on several criteria: transformation performance, energy, water and waste management. The best performers are rated platinum, followed by gold and silver.

According to industry insiders, these criteria help green factories significantly reduce operational costs over time, even though they may initially cost more to set up.

Former BGMEA director Mohiuddin Rubel said that as the world increasingly prioritised ESG performance and sustainability in supply chains, this milestone enhanced the country’s global image.

According to apparel manufacturers, the move towards green factory buildings helped regain Bangladesh›s image after the Rana Plaza tragedy, which claimed 1,134 lives and left more than 2,000 injured.​

 

[Saif]

We will expand new market destinations: Mahmud H Khan

As the election of the board of director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association is approaching, Mahmud Hasan Khan (Babu), the panel leader of Forum, a contesting panel of BGMEA election for 2025-27 tenure, said his...

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We will expand new market destinations: Mahmud H Khan
Saddam Hossain 29 May, 2025, 23:06

Mahmud Hasan Khan (Babu)

As the election of the board of director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association is approaching, Mahmud Hasan Khan (Babu), the panel leader of Forum, a contesting panel of BGMEA election for 2025-27 tenure, said his vision to expand market destination for the country’s readymade garment items.

In an interview with New Age, Babu, also the managing director of Rising Group, said that their goal is to increase stake in the nontraditional or new markets.

‘In the past ten years, the market for country’s RMG items expanded to Asian, African and Latin American markets significantly. Currently, about 20 per cent of the export earnings come from the new markets,’ he added.

Overreliance on few destinations is not ideal always, he added saying that they would work more for Japan, Australia, Brazil and other new destinations.

He also said that if they can be elected, they would closely work with the government to sign free trade agreement or preferential trading agreement as the Western countries frequently changes their tariff policies.

‘To fulfill our 14-point election manifesto, we have selected candidates’ entrepreneurial experience, professional competence, industry expertise, and technological proficiency, as well as their visionary leadership,’ he added.

He said that for the mentioned reason, the members would vote them, and if they can be elected, they will contribute to building a modern, transparent, and accountable BGMEA and in this regard.

He said that the Ministry of Commerce handles a wide range of domestic trade matters, often resulting in delays. So, they will work with the government establish a dedicated ‘Ministry of Apparel’ to faster decision-making, policy formulation and implementation.

He also said that small and medium entrepreneurs in the apparel sector have long faced numerous challenges.

‘It is crucial to ensure access to low-interest loans for SME entrepreneurs. We would work for a special fund to provide them with technology support and enhanced market access.

Regarding the industrial safety and labour rights, he said that it would introduce forced-savings among the RMG manufacturers as a solution to wage issues ahead of Eid and other festivals.

‘Bangladesh’s apparel industry is now 45 years old. Yet, it has not become truly sustainable. To build a resilient industry, we must prioritize key areas like industrial safety, labour rights, and environmental protection’, he added.

He also said that they would work for a practical and comprehensive exit policy for the factories which become unviable due to uncontrollable reasons.

Babu Said that they have a plan to establish zone-based crisis management cells to enable faster and more effective responses to any issues that arise locally.

‘The harassment faced during customs audits continues to be a major issue for us. We do not want to remain trapped in this cycle,’ he added.

He said that they work to implement a fully digitized clearance system to reduce both the time and cost of export-import operations.

He also said that they want a competent, transparent, and accountable BGMEA for the sake of a stronger national economy.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladeshi RMG factories reap benefits from Better Work programme

Garment factories enrolled in the Better Work Bangladesh (BWB) programme are undergoing fewer social audits—used to assess labour and human rights risks—compared to factories not participating in the initiative. Babylon Group, which operates four knit and woven garment factories, has s

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Bangladeshi RMG factories reap benefits from Better Work programme

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
May 30, 2025 10:32
Updated :
May 30, 2025 10:32

Garment factories enrolled in the Better Work Bangladesh (BWB) programme are undergoing fewer social audits—used to assess labour and human rights risks—compared to factories not participating in the initiative.

Babylon Group, which operates four knit and woven garment factories, has seen its average number of social audits drop from about 12 annually to seven or eight since joining the BWB programme. Rubaet Bin Aziz, Group General Manager of HR, Admin, and Compliance at Babylon Garments Limited, shared this information during a media visit to the company's Mirpur-based factory on Thursday.

“This reduction not only saves valuable time but also cuts annual costs by approximately Tk 10 million,” Aziz said.

Three of Babylon Group's factories have been working with the Better Work programme for the past seven years.

The media tour was organised by BWB to showcase how effective social dialogue and grievance mechanisms can lead to stronger worker-management relationships and support both economic performance and worker well-being.

A report by the International Trade Center (ITC), released in August last year, noted that Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) sector continues to experience the highest average number of social audits, even as other countries like China, Vietnam, Turkey, and India have seen a decline in such assessments.

The report pointed out that excessive auditing can lead to "fatigue" and "inefficiencies" within supply chains.

Local apparel exporters echoed this concern, stating that the same auditors often conduct multiple audits throughout the year, collecting duplicate information for different buyers. This repetition, they said, disrupts production and incurs unnecessary costs.

Social audits play a key role in identifying labour and human rights risks and ensuring suppliers meet global or company-specific standards for ethical labour and supply chain practices.

The Better Work programme, a joint initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), collaborates with governments, employers, workers, and global brands to improve labour conditions and boost competitiveness in the garment sector.

Launched in Bangladesh in 2015, the programme currently includes around 490 factories, benefiting approximately 1.3 million workers—51 per cent of whom are women—according to BWB Team Lead Syed Fazle Niaz.

Nasrin Akter, a senior operator and president of the Babylon Garments Workers Union, told The Financial Express that workers communicate their demands through the union, which negotiates with factory management.

She cited the recent announcement of a 10-day Eid-ul-Adha holiday on May 12, which came after workers requested the time off—two weeks before the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) issued similar guidance to its members.

Aziz emphasised Babylon’s commitment to fair labour practices, supported by a strong governance structure that encourages open dialogue in the workplace.

He noted that the BWB programme’s capacity-building initiatives have helped trade union leaders improve their critical thinking, debating, and listening skills—enhancing communication and ensuring better representation of worker interests.

Mr Niaz added that trade unions play a vital role in allowing workers to voice concerns democratically, ultimately contributing to long-term business sustainability.​

 

[Saif]

Budget a bit optimistic for garment sector: BGMEA

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association welcomed the Tk 7.9 lakh crore national budget for FY 2025–26, acknowledging its focus on inclusive and sustainable development amid a post-political transition landscape...

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Budget a bit optimistic for garment sector: BGMEA
Staff Correspondent 03 June, 2025, 00:24

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association welcomed the Tk 7.9 lakh crore national budget for FY 2025–26, acknowledging its focus on inclusive and sustainable development amid a post-political transition landscape.

In a statement issued by BGMEA administrator Anwar Hossain on Monday, the trade body praised the emphasis on education, health, good governance, job creation, and preparation for LDC graduation.

He said that the proposed 6.5 per cent inflation target and no increase in electricity prices were positive for low-income workers and industries.

Moreover, the VAT exemptions on LNG imports and reduced duties on petroleum and diesel are expected to cut production costs.

BGMEA also lauded allocations for women entrepreneurs (Tk 125 crore), blue economy research (Tk 200 crore), climate risk mitigation (Tk 100 crore), and youth entrepreneurship (Tk 100 crore).

The RMG sector, accounting for 84 per cent of exports, is under pressure from global challenges, including US tariffs, India’s transshipment suspension, high bank interest rates, and utility price hikes.

In this context, BGMEA appreciated the decision to keep source tax and corporate tax for exporters unchanged.

Moreover, they also applauded several reforms simplifying the bond and customs system, such as extended general bond renewal terms, revised penalties, and tariff exemptions for key machinery for EPZs.

However, BGMEA expressed disappointment that some proposals, like full VAT exemptions for RMG-related services and smoother HS code and bonded operations, were not included.

The association emphasised the need for continued support to safeguard the livelihoods of 4 million people tied directly and indirectly to the industry.​

 

[Saif]

Garment exports hit $10b as raw material import costs $4b

In the third quarter (January–March) of the current 2024–25 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported ready-made garments worth a total of USD 10.34 billion (USD 1,034 crore).

en.prothomalo.com

Garment exports hit $10b as raw material import costs $4b
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 09 Jun 2025, 13: 13

Readymade garments factory AFP file photo

In the third quarter (January–March) of the current 2024–25 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported readymade garments worth a total of USD 10.34 billion (USD 1,034 crore). During the same period, USD 4.25 billion (USD 425 crore) was spent on importing raw materials.

This means that the value addition in garment exports during the last quarter stood at 58.90 per cent while in the previous quarter, the value addition stood at 61 per cent.

These figures were revealed in the latest quarterly report by Bangladesh Bank on the ready-made garment sector. The report shows that since the fourth quarter of the 2021–22 fiscal year, value addition in garment exports has been hovering around 60 per cent.

The central bank calculates the net export or value addition in the garment sector by deducting the cost of importing cotton, yarn, fabric, and accessories from total garment export earnings. Some also refer to net export income as the sector’s value addition.

The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) had inflated export figures in the last two fiscals. The export as well as the value addition rate saw a false increase then. The Bangladesh Bank brought this discrepancy in the statistics to light in middle of last year. The export data was later revised and the value addition rate in the garment sector dropped across seven quarters in the last two fiscal years in turn.

Due to the inflated export figures, value addition in garment exports suddenly jumped from 59 per cent to over 67 per cent for the second quarter (October–December) of 2022–23 fiscal year. The value addition ranged between 70 per cent and 72 per cent in the following five quarters.

However, after the data revision, it was revealed that value addition in the January–March and April–June quarters of that fiscal year had actually dropped to 62 per cent. Meanwhile, the value addition ranged between 57.5 per cent and 61.5 per cent in all four quarters of 2023–24 fiscal year.

According to the Bangladesh Bank report, the export of readymade garments stood at USD 9.51 billion (USD 951 crore) in the first quarter (July–September) of the current fiscal year while the import of raw material was at USD 3.84 billion (USD 384 crore) resulting in a value addition of 59 per cent.

Then in the second quarter (October–December), garment exports reached USD 10.37 billion (USD 1,037 crore), with USD 4.04 billion (USD 404 crore) spent on raw materials. With this the value addition stood at 61 per cent.​

 

[Saif]

BD becomes fastest-growing apparel exporter to US

Bangladesh emerged as the fastest-growing apparel exporter to the United States with the highest 29.34-percent year-on-year growth among its major peers during the first four months of 2025. The export of readymade garments from Bangladesh during the January- April period fetched US$2.98 b

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BD becomes fastest-growing apparel exporter to US
Records highest 29.34pc annualised growth among peers during four months to April

FE REPORT
Published :
Jun 11, 2025 01:02
Updated :
Jun 11, 2025 01:02

Bangladesh emerged as the fastest-growing apparel exporter to the United States with the highest 29.34-percent year-on-year growth among its major peers during the first four months of 2025.

The export of readymade garments from Bangladesh during the January- April period fetched US$2.98 billion, against US$2.31 billion in the same period of 2024, according to the data released on June 05 by OTEXA, an affiliate of the US Department of Commerce.

The growth rate also surpassed the global average growth of 10.67 per cent, placing Bangladesh ahead of main competitors like Vietnam, India and Cambodia on the US market.

US's overall apparel imports during January to April 2025 stood at US$26.22 billion, up from $23.69 billion in the corresponding period the last year.

The rise reflects improved consumer demand and the ongoing recalibration of supply chains, particularly in response to trade and tariff shifts involving China.

Vietnam, which overtook China in March 2025 to become leading apparel exporter to the US, kept its position in April as US imports from China during the period fell sharply.

Vietnam shipped RMG items worth US$5.09 billion, accounting for a 16.08- percent growth.

China remained in the second position with US$4.36 billion worth of RMG shipments with a meagre 0.6-percent year-on-year growth highlighting the effects of renewed tariff barriers and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Talking to the FE, Fazlul Hoque, former president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), termed the growth good.

Responding to a question, he said it would take some more months or August onwards to understand the US new tariff regime's impact, saying that there is on average a 50:50 arrangement between most US buyers and local exporters that each of them would share half of the additional 10-percent duty burden for the interim period.

Exporters opine that the overall work-order situation is good despite some disruption in backward-linkage suppliers due to gas crisis.

According to the OTEXA data, China started the year with strong export performance as in January US imports of Chinese apparel reached US$1.60 billion in a 13.6-percent increase compared to the same month in 2024 while February recorded 3.0-percent growth.

In March, however, the momentum reversed with US imports falling 8.9 per cent year on year to US$826.7 million. The decline deepened in April, when imports dropped by a further 13.3 per cent to US$760.7 million.

In contrast, Vietnam demonstrated consistent and accelerating growth throughout the first four months of the year.

Vietnam's apparel exports to the US in January rose 19.8 per cent, February with modest at 2.2 per cent but in March and April recorded 20.2-percent and 23.3-percent growth respectively.

India's apparel exports rose by 20.3 per cent to US$2 billion during the January-to-April period.

Indonesia recorded a 15.61-percent increase in apparel shipments to US$1.6 billion, continuing its steady growth as a supplier to the US market.

Cambodia witnessed 19.79-percent rise in exports, reaching US$1.23 billion, during the period under consideration.

Pakistan also recorded a growth of 19.5 per cent to bag US $750 million from the US market.​

 

[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

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

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.​

 

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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

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

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

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

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.​