[🇧🇩] Textile & RMG Industry of Bangladesh

[Saif]

https://www.newagebd.net/post/mis/306425/automation-could-displace-12m-rmg-jobs-by-2041-cpd

Automation could displace 1.2m RMG jobs by 2041: CPD
Staff Correspondent 16 July, 2026, 23:25

Automation could displace 1.22 million jobs in Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector by 2041, with women hardest hit, as the country already lost about 1.3 million jobs in 2024, according to a study by the Centre for Policy Dialogue. Maps

The study, unveiled at a webinar titled ‘Work in Flux: Foresight for the Future of Work in the Global South’, found that women accounted for nearly 90 per cent of the jobs lost in 2024, underscoring the growing vulnerability of female workers amid rapid technological and structural changes in the labour market.

The webinar was organised by CPD on Wednesday in collaboration with JustJobs Network, LIRNEasia, Southern Voice and the Citizens’ Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, under the FutureWORKS Asia initiative supported by the International Development Research Centre.

Presenting the findings, CPD additional research director Towfiqul Islam Khan said that nearly 60 per cent of female employment in the country’s garment industry could disappear by 2041 as factories increasingly adopt automation and advanced technologies to remain competitive.

He also criticised Bangladesh’s low investment in education, noting that public spending remains around 1.3 per cent of GDP, while technical and vocational education and training remain poorly aligned with future labour market demands.

The study also highlighted growing vulnerabilities in the services sector, where about 25 million people are employed, many of them in informal and insecure jobs.

The study highlighted that Bangladesh’s labour market is undergoing significant transformation due to automation, Artificial Intelligence, digitalisation, climate change, and economic shifts.

Towfiqul Islam said the study identified 27 key drivers shaping the future of work through 2035, emphasising two main uncertainties: the pace of the global digital economy and changing national social aspirations.

Five persistent trends outlined in the study include irreversible digitalisation, a shift towards higher-value services, ongoing skills mismatches, exposure to external shocks, and the importance of institutional agility.

To tackle these challenges, the study recommends eight key policy measures, including reforms in education, lifelong learning programmes, employment-oriented industrial policies, improved labour market information systems, modern social protections for gig workers, and targeted support for vulnerable groups during transitions.

CPD distinguished fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya emphasised the need for Bangladesh to shift from simply diagnosing labour market issues to actively implementing solutions. He noted that while policies exist, weak execution and poor inter-institutional coordination hinder progress. As industries are embracing post-graduation from least developed country status, inadequate protection for displaced workers could exacerbate inequality.

He urged the government to manage the technological transition, align skills with market needs, and strengthen institutions to translate research into action.

Professor Mustafizur Rahman of CPD emphasised the growing global divide caused by artificial intelligence, noting that differences in intellectual property rights have led to some AI tools being publicly available while others require payment.

He highlighted the need for current workers to reskill and called for an education system aligned with industry needs for future job entrants.

To address labour market gaps, he advocated for stronger public-private partnerships, suggesting that AI should be a collaborative effort between government and the private sector.

LIRNEasia chief executive officer Helani Galpaya said the growing gig economy was not a universal solution due to the digital divide limiting women’s access to online work, and noted that digital platforms can shift risks onto workers.

President and executive director of JustJobs Network, Sabina Dewan, urged policymakers to focus on job quality rather than just increasing employment, advocating for global brands to fund worker reskilling in light of automation.

Gunjan Bahadur Dallakoti from the International Labour Organisation highlighted the need for greater support for small and medium enterprises to adopt digital technologies while strengthening labour institutions.

Ramiro Albrieu of CIPPEC Argentina urged Global South countries to invest in digital skills and adopt long-term planning to leverage their demographic advantages.​

 

[Bilal9]

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53 of 100 top green factories now in Bangladesh​

Golam Mowla
Publish : 14 Jul 2026, 16:24

Bangladesh's position on the global stage in building an eco-friendly and sustainable apparel industry has grown even stronger.

Four more ready-made garment (RMG) factories have recently achieved the internationally recognized Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

With this, the number of Leed-certified garment factories in the country has risen to 290.

Among these, 125 are Platinum, 145 are Gold, and the rest are Silver and Certified.

Most remarkably, 53 of the world's top 100 highest-scoring Leed-certified factories are now located in Bangladesh.

This is an unparalleled achievement compared to any other country in the world, reflecting Bangladesh's leadership in sustainable industrialization.

Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Voice, shared this information on social media.

Among the four newly certified factories, two achieved Platinum, one Gold, and one Silver certification:

• Canvas Garments Private Limited, located in the North Nasirabad Industrial Area of Chattogram, achieved Platinum certification with 90 points under the Leed O+M: Existing Buildings v4.1 rating system.
• Matrix Sweaters Limited, located in Chowrasta, Gazipur, also secured Platinum certification with 88 points under the same rating system.
• Meanwhile, Karim Textiles Limited in Kaliakair, Gazipur, achieved Gold certification with 73 points.
• Karim Tex Limited in Dhamrai, Dhaka, secured Silver certification with 53 points.

Leed certification is one of the most globally accepted benchmarks for eco-friendly buildings and industrial factories.

A factory achieves this certification by meeting strict standards across key indicators, including energy savings, efficient water use, carbon emission reduction, waste management, the utilization of natural light and ventilation, a healthy work environment, and sustainable infrastructure.

Currently, major global fashion brands in Europe, the United States, and beyond are prioritizing eco-friendly factories.

Consequently, Leed certification is not just a prestigious accolade; it is one of the most powerful tools for staying ahead in the highly competitive international market.

Bangladesh is the world's second-largest apparel exporter. Over the past decade, local entrepreneurs have not only focused on scaling export volumes but have also invested heavily in building green production systems.

Investing in green factories is reducing electricity and water consumption, lowering long-term production costs, and decreasing carbon emissions.

At the same time, ensuring a healthy and safe work environment for workers has boosted the confidence of international buyers.

Experts point out that sustainable production is no longer a luxury or an added bonus in the global market; it has become a primary requirement for buyers. In this reality, Bangladesh's progress will play a critical role in retaining future export markets.

"The addition of four new Leed-certified factories is a matter of great pride for Bangladesh's apparel industry," said Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Voice.

"With 290 Leed-certified factories—including 125 Platinum and 145 Gold—and 53 of the world's top 100 highest-scoring factories located here, it proves that Bangladesh is leading the world in sustainable and green manufacturing.

"International buyers no longer just want products at competitive prices; they expect the production process to be eco-friendly and responsible. Bangladeshi entrepreneurs have successfully adapted to this shift. Investing in green factories improves energy and water efficiency, cuts carbon emissions, and ensures a safer, healthier workplace for workers."

He further emphasized, "To sustain this achievement, it is not enough to focus only on large industries; we must also bring medium and small factories under the green transition. Simultaneously, we must prioritize increasing productivity, leveraging technology, developing skilled human resources, and diversifying products. Only then can Bangladesh's garment industry strengthen its competitive edge in the global market and establish itself as a long-term global role model for sustainable production."

Dominance in global list

Having 53 of the world's top 100 highest-scoring Leed-certified factories is a clear testament to the country's industrial capability.

Not just in sheer numbers, but multiple factories in Bangladesh consistently rank among the world's best for achieving the highest scores.

Globally, there is a growing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change, and promoting green manufacturing. The European Union's new environmental regulations, carbon-related restrictions, and the supply chain sustainability mandates of international brands present both new opportunities and increased competition for Bangladesh.

According to experts, simply increasing the number of Leed certifications will not be enough.

There must be further investment in boosting productivity, technological modernization, workers' skill development, product diversification, and research and innovation.

At the same time, small and medium garment factories must be integrated into this green transition.

 

[Saif]

​

53 of 100 top green factories now in Bangladesh​

Golam Mowla
Publish : 14 Jul 2026, 16:24

Bangladesh's position on the global stage in building an eco-friendly and sustainable apparel industry has grown even stronger.

Four more ready-made garment (RMG) factories have recently achieved the internationally recognized Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

With this, the number of Leed-certified garment factories in the country has risen to 290.

Among these, 125 are Platinum, 145 are Gold, and the rest are Silver and Certified.

Most remarkably, 53 of the world's top 100 highest-scoring Leed-certified factories are now located in Bangladesh.

This is an unparalleled achievement compared to any other country in the world, reflecting Bangladesh's leadership in sustainable industrialization.

Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Voice, shared this information on social media.

Among the four newly certified factories, two achieved Platinum, one Gold, and one Silver certification:

• Canvas Garments Private Limited, located in the North Nasirabad Industrial Area of Chattogram, achieved Platinum certification with 90 points under the Leed O+M: Existing Buildings v4.1 rating system.
• Matrix Sweaters Limited, located in Chowrasta, Gazipur, also secured Platinum certification with 88 points under the same rating system.
• Meanwhile, Karim Textiles Limited in Kaliakair, Gazipur, achieved Gold certification with 73 points.
• Karim Tex Limited in Dhamrai, Dhaka, secured Silver certification with 53 points.

Leed certification is one of the most globally accepted benchmarks for eco-friendly buildings and industrial factories.

A factory achieves this certification by meeting strict standards across key indicators, including energy savings, efficient water use, carbon emission reduction, waste management, the utilization of natural light and ventilation, a healthy work environment, and sustainable infrastructure.

Currently, major global fashion brands in Europe, the United States, and beyond are prioritizing eco-friendly factories.

Consequently, Leed certification is not just a prestigious accolade; it is one of the most powerful tools for staying ahead in the highly competitive international market.

Bangladesh is the world's second-largest apparel exporter. Over the past decade, local entrepreneurs have not only focused on scaling export volumes but have also invested heavily in building green production systems.

Investing in green factories is reducing electricity and water consumption, lowering long-term production costs, and decreasing carbon emissions.

At the same time, ensuring a healthy and safe work environment for workers has boosted the confidence of international buyers.

Experts point out that sustainable production is no longer a luxury or an added bonus in the global market; it has become a primary requirement for buyers. In this reality, Bangladesh's progress will play a critical role in retaining future export markets.

"The addition of four new Leed-certified factories is a matter of great pride for Bangladesh's apparel industry," said Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Voice.

"With 290 Leed-certified factories—including 125 Platinum and 145 Gold—and 53 of the world's top 100 highest-scoring factories located here, it proves that Bangladesh is leading the world in sustainable and green manufacturing.

"International buyers no longer just want products at competitive prices; they expect the production process to be eco-friendly and responsible. Bangladeshi entrepreneurs have successfully adapted to this shift. Investing in green factories improves energy and water efficiency, cuts carbon emissions, and ensures a safer, healthier workplace for workers."

He further emphasized, "To sustain this achievement, it is not enough to focus only on large industries; we must also bring medium and small factories under the green transition. Simultaneously, we must prioritize increasing productivity, leveraging technology, developing skilled human resources, and diversifying products. Only then can Bangladesh's garment industry strengthen its competitive edge in the global market and establish itself as a long-term global role model for sustainable production."

Dominance in global list

Having 53 of the world's top 100 highest-scoring Leed-certified factories is a clear testament to the country's industrial capability.

Not just in sheer numbers, but multiple factories in Bangladesh consistently rank among the world's best for achieving the highest scores.

Globally, there is a growing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change, and promoting green manufacturing. The European Union's new environmental regulations, carbon-related restrictions, and the supply chain sustainability mandates of international brands present both new opportunities and increased competition for Bangladesh.

According to experts, simply increasing the number of Leed certifications will not be enough.

There must be further investment in boosting productivity, technological modernization, workers' skill development, product diversification, and research and innovation.

At the same time, small and medium garment factories must be integrated into this green transition.

Despite having so many green factories, Bangladesh is losing RMG market both in the EU and the USA.

 

[Saif]

Retaining duty-free access to EU market

While Bangladesh's preparation for graduation from the LDC (Least Development Country) status lacks on a few counts, as confirmed by a UN assessment, prompting the country to formally seek a three-year deferment to 2029, its rivals have clinched free trade agreement (FTA) deals with the European Un

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Retaining duty-free access to EU market

While Bangladesh's preparation for graduation from the LDC (Least Development Country) status lacks on a few counts, as confirmed by a UN assessment, prompting the country to formally seek a three-year deferment to 2029, its rivals have clinched free trade agreement (FTA) deals with the European Union (EU). The EU-India and EU-Vietnam FTA can cause a fall in Bangladesh's export to the 27-member bloc by up to 36 per cent and for garment export this rate could be as high as 44 per cent. This grim prospect is no guesswork but an outcome of a research analysis by the Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID). Notably, the EU is the largest export market for Bangladesh knitwear and woven garment products. Indeed, aggressive trade policy by both India and Vietnam has set the alarm bell ringing for Bangladesh.

The EU FTAs with Vietnam and India will close the gap in tariff difference with Bangladesh or even eliminate it, Dr. MA Razzaque, chairman of RAPID, argues. In consequence, it will divert trade towards those two partner countries slicing Bangladesh's share. It will be particularly telling in the post-LDC graduation time. So the urgency for Bangladesh is to negotiate a FTA deal as early as possible. One example cited by Dr. Razzaque should confirm the dreaded prospect. Under the EU-Vietnam FTA (EVFTA), EU tariffs on Vietnam's export are progressively being reduced to zero by 2027. If both India and Vietnam enjoy such tariff facilities, both of them will be strong contenders to claim larger shares in the EU market. What is particularly worrying is that garments from Bangladesh will not get duty-free access to that market even if Bangladesh qualifies for the generalised system of preferences plus (GSP-plus) window due to the safeguard clause of the scheme.

Evidently, with the loss of such tariff facilities, Bangladesh will face a tough time after the extended three-year period of duty-free access ends. In that case, there is no alternative to starting negotiation on FTA facilities. Such a deal can limit the overall export decline to around 16 per cent with a contraction of garment export to 19 per cent, according to the research paper prepared by RAPID. Leaders of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) disclose that buyers have already started switching over to alternative sources. There will be no surprise if they look forward to sourcing products from India and Vietnam.

As the EU ambassador in Bangladesh, Michael Miller hinted recently, before starting a negotiation on trade facilities like FTA, Bangladesh has to expedite reforms in areas like non-tariff barriers, labour rights and improvement in the business environment. The good news is that the EU is ready to begin exploratory discussions on an FTA deal. So the ground work should be initiated immediately. At the same time, the rules of origin clause should also be made a subject of discussion. Besides, the garment industries should diversify its products in favour of value addition, preferably shifting to man-made fibre (MMF). The challenge before the country is quite daunting but informed negotiations can lead to relief from some of the complicated issues. A RAPID recommendation for development of technology, skills and new products through attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) will bolster resilience of the garment industry here.​

 

[Saif]

https://www.newagebd.net/post/apparel/307095/fewer-us-buyers-take-rmg-from-bangladesh

Fewer US buyers take RMG from Bangladesh
Moinul Haque 21 July, 2026, 23:45

Bangladesh’s utilisation rate among US fashion companies has sharply fallen in 2026, while slow speed-to-market, limited supply chain flexibility, and compliance concerns remain major challenges though the country stays one of the world’s leading apparel sourcing destinations.

According to the 2026 USFIA Benchmarking Study that covered until May, which was released on Monday, Bangladesh’s utilisation rate dropped to 78.9 per cent in 2026 from 88.2 per cent a year earlier.

Utilisation rate refers to the frequency with which a sourcing destination was used divided by the total number of survey respondents.

The report said that Bangladesh had tied with Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia as the most-utilised apparel sourcing destination in 2026 based on the utilisation rate.

However, it said, utilisation rates among the major Asian sourcing destinations had declined compared to the 2025 survey.

China’s utilisation rate fell from 100 per cent to 73 per cent, while Vietnam’s dropped from 100 per cent to about 78 per cent.

The report, however, emphasised that the decline in Bangladesh’s utilisation rate should not be interpreted as a loss of competitiveness.

Instead, it said, the decline reflected a broader transformation in global sourcing strategies.

According to the report, US brands identified president Trump’s protectionist trade policies as their biggest business challenge in 2026, prompting companies to reduce their sourcing exposure to countries considered most vulnerable to future trade restrictions, particularly China and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, three non-Asian countries – Guatemala, Egypt, and Jordan – climbed to the top 10 sourcing destinations in 2026, with all of them recording higher utilisation rates than a year earlier.

According to the report, protectionist US trade policies and tariff-related uncertainties remained the fashion industry’s biggest business challenge in 2026, with 92 per cent of the surveyed companies identifying them as their primary concern.

It said that the average applied US tariff on apparel imports had increased to 21.6 per cent in May 2026 from 15.2 per cent before the start of President Donald Trump’s second term.

The report also found that China and Vietnam were perceived to face the highest risk from future US import trade barriers, while Bangladesh, India, and Cambodia were considered to face moderate risk.

In contrast, suppliers in seven CAFTA-DR member countries – USA, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua – and US domestic manufacturers were viewed as the least exposed to potential new trade restrictions.

The survey for the 2026 Fashion Industry Benchmarking Study was carried out between April and June 2026 and covered 30 leading US fashion companies.

Bangladesh, the report also said, achieved a historic milestone by surpassing China in the US apparel market for the first time in decades.

During the first five months of 2026, Bangladesh accounted for 11.3 per cent of US apparel imports by value, placing it second only to Vietnam, which held a 22.2 per cent share, while China’s share declined to 9.7 per cent.

Nearly 47 per cent of the surveyed companies reported that Bangladesh represented more than 10 per cent of their total sourcing value or volume, highlighting the country’s continued strategic importance to global buyers.

Despite these achievements, the report identified the speed to market as one of Bangladesh’s weakest competitive areas.

Bangladesh received a score of only 2.3 on 5 for speed to market, reflecting persistent logistical constraints and the country’s geographical distance from major consumer markets, it said.

While Bangladesh continued to excel in cost-efficient, large-scale production, its longer lead times became a competitive disadvantage as international retailers increasingly demanded faster inventory replenishment and shorter fashion cycles, findings suggested.

Despite the lower utilisation rate, the report presented an optimistic outlook for Bangladesh.

It ranked Bangladesh as the second most popular ‘rising star’ for future sourcing expansion, with 46.7 per cent of the respondents planning to increase sourcing from the country over the next two years, second only to Indonesia.

The report said that Bangladesh was expected to remain a dominant force in global apparel sourcing through 2028.

However, it said, sustaining that position would depend on the country’s ability to improve logistics, reduce lead times, strengthen domestic textile production, enhance labour and environmental compliance, and increase manufacturing flexibility while preserving its long-standing cost advantage.

The report also highlighted Bangladesh’s limited flexibility in accommodating smaller and specialised orders.

It said that Bangladesh had received a minimum order quantity score of 2.6, significantly below China’s leading score of 4.0.

According to the study, this indicated that Bangladesh remained primarily geared towards high-volume production of basic garments rather than smaller, more diverse production runs increasingly sought by international brands.

Vertical integration remained an area requiring improvement, the report also said.

Although Bangladesh scored 3.4 for vertical manufacturing capability, outperforming several competing countries, it continued to trail China, which scored 4.8, and India, which scored 4.0.

Most US fashion companies, the report said, still depended heavily on China for textile raw materials, including fabrics and accessories, increasing Bangladesh’s dependence on imported inputs and limiting its ability to shorten production lead times.

Bangladesh received a labour and social compliance score of 2.2 and an environmental compliance score of 2.4, placing it among the lower-performing sourcing destinations in these areas, it also said.

According to the report, improving traceability, labour standards, and environmental performance would be essential as international brands faced increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and emerging Extended Producer Responsibility laws.

The study found that Bangladesh was perceived as carrying a relatively high risk from future US import trade barriers, receiving a score of 2.2.

Unlike suppliers in the Western Hemisphere that benefited from preferential trade agreements, the survey noted, Bangladesh remained subject to standard tariff arrangements, increasing cost pressures at a time when protectionist trade policies were becoming a growing concern for apparel companies.

Respondents awarded Bangladesh a sourcing cost score of 4.3 on 5, tying it with China as the highest-rated sourcing destination for cost competitiveness.

The report said that Bangladesh’s established low-cost manufacturing base continued to provide international fashion brands with an effective hedge against rising global inflation and shipping costs.

According to the report, US fashion companies were moving away from the traditional concentration of orders in the three largest sourcing countries – China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh – and were increasingly distributing production across a wider range of markets to reduce geopolitical, regulatory, and supply chain risks.

During 2026, companies reported sourcing from 49 countries, up from 46 a year ago.

Emerging destinations such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Egypt, Jordan and Guatemala, the report said, were attracting increasing attention as buyers sought a more geographically balanced sourcing portfolio.

It said that imports from non-Asian countries had reached 15.8 per cent of the total US apparel imports, the highest level in more than a decade.

The report also said that buyers were consolidating rather than expanding their supplier networks.

Nearly half of the surveyed companies said that they planned to work with fewer suppliers over the next two years, preferring stronger strategic partnerships with vendors capable of providing greater traceability, compliance, and operational resilience.​

 

[Saif]

https://www.newagebd.net/post/apparel/307088/rmg-future-hinges-on-policy-reforms-ai-and-sustainability-experts

RMG future hinges on policy reforms, AI and sustainability: experts
Staff Correspondent 21 July, 2026, 23:41

Bangladesh’s readymade garment industry must move beyond its low-cost manufacturing model by undertaking structural policy reforms, embracing artificial intelligence, strengthening sustainability and improving energy and logistics infrastructure to remain globally competitive in the post-LDC era, experts and policymakers said on Tuesday.

The observations came at the concluding session of the two-day BAYLA Future Summit 2026, organised by the Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Alliance at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden under the theme ‘Think Beyond Today’.

Speakers said the global apparel business was undergoing a fundamental transformation as buyers increasingly prioritise sustainability, traceability, digital capability and supply chain resilience alongside price and quality, requiring Bangladesh to rethink its long-standing growth model.

Policy Exchange Bangladesh chairman and chief executive officer M Masrur Reaz said the country’s apparel industry could no longer depend on cheap labour and preferential market access to sustain its competitive edge.

As Bangladesh prepares for graduation from the least developed country category, he said manufacturers would face tougher competition from regional rivals while losing preferential trade benefits, making structural reforms unavoidable.

According to Reaz, future competitiveness will depend on diversifying into higher-value man-made fibre products, securing bilateral free trade agreements, improving energy security and complying with increasingly stringent environmental, social and governance standards.

He said global buyers were introducing new requirements such as the European Union’s Digital Product Passport and circular economy regulations, meaning competitive pricing alone would no longer ensure market access.

Reaz proposed a six-point policy agenda centred on trade facilitation, customs reforms, stronger logistics, export diversification, sustainability, industrial automation and long-term investment in human capital.

He also highlighted the importance of strategic infrastructure, including the Bay Terminal, to reduce logistics costs and improve export efficiency.

Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, president of the Bangladesh Employers Federation, emphasised that artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming manufacturing, creating a need for continuous learning and workforce adaptation.

He noted that AI technologies are automating tasks like fabric inspection, enhancing productivity, and demanding new skills without merely replacing workers.

Ehsan highlighted that learning ability will be crucial for future jobs and that digitalisation should encompass all job sectors.

He called for manufacturers to view data as a strategic asset to meet buyer demands for transparency and sustainability.

Moreover, he stressed the importance of equipping young people and women in the garment industry with skills in analytical thinking, communication, and sustainable practices.

Country managing partner of PwC Bangladesh Shams Zaman said that data would be the key driver of Bangladesh’s apparel industry’s competitiveness in the coming decade, with global buyers increasingly demanding transparency, traceability and sustainability alongside price and quality.

He urged manufacturers to use data to improve operational efficiency, strengthen supply chain resilience, support AI adoption and meet evolving global regulations, positioning Bangladesh as an intelligent and trusted sourcing destination.

Prime minister’s adviser and official spokesperson Mahdi Amin said the government had made energy security its highest priority, acknowledging that gas and electricity shortages continued to undermine industrial competitiveness.

He said Bangladesh’s advantages — young workforce, large domestic market and policy continuity — could only translate into greater investment if energy supplies became reliable and the cost of doing business declined.

The government, he said, was working to simplify bonded warehouse facilities, reduce bureaucratic procedures, develop industrial parks and improve port efficiency while investing in education, healthcare and skills development.

Mahdi Amin also underscored the importance of integrating technology into manufacturing, research and development, logistics and supply chains while ensuring that automation enhanced productivity without causing job losses.

He reiterated that sustainable economic growth must remain private sector-led, supported by public-private partnerships, foreign direct investment and an enabling policy environment.

Dhaka Stock Exchange managing director Nuzhat Anwar said Bangladesh’s capital market remained an underutilised source of industrial finance, with only about one per cent of the country’s financing needs currently met through equity markets.

She encouraged textile and apparel entrepreneurs to look beyond bank borrowing and raise long-term capital through stock market listings, arguing that listed companies benefited from stronger governance, improved transparency and more sustainable financing.

Nuzhat Anwar said reforms had reduced initial public offering approval times from around 18 months to just 50 days and disclosed that the DSE was preparing to launch an environmental, social and governance index, where textile companies were expected to feature prominently because of their sustainability performance.

She said strengthening the capital market would diversify financing sources and further support industrial expansion as Bangladesh enters a more competitive global trading environment.​