Industry leaders, policymakers and business executives have called on Bangladesh’s apparel and textile sector to rapidly embrace artificial intelligence (AI), automation, Industry 4.0 and value-added manufacturing to sustain global competitiveness and successfully navigate the challenges of post-LDC graduation. The call came at the inaugural session of the two-day BAYLA Future Summit 2026, organised by the Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Alliance (BAYLA) in Dhaka under the theme “Think Beyond Today.”
The summit brought together government representatives, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, global buyers and development partners to discuss the future of Bangladesh’s apparel industry. Addressing the opening session as chief guest, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said the apparel industry remains a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy and one of the country’s largest sources of employment. He stressed the importance of developing skilled, innovative and responsible young leaders capable of leading the industry through technological transformation.
He said the government is committed to creating a balanced industrial environment that safeguards the interests of both employers and workers while prioritising workforce reskilling and upskilling to meet the demands of a technology-driven economy.
BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said the future competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel industry would depend not only on cost advantages but also on productivity, innovation and technological capability. He warned that factories failing to adopt AI and digital technologies would struggle to remain competitive in the coming years and urged the next generation of entrepreneurs to lead the industry’s digital transformation.
BGMEA Vice-President Vidiya Amrit Khan highlighted the need to move beyond contract manufacturing towards innovation, branding and higher value addition. She said Bangladesh must prepare for post-LDC trade realities by improving productivity through AI, automation and Industry 4.0 while investing in design capabilities, product development and women’s leadership.
Speaking at the summit, Urmi Group Managing Director Asif Ashraf said automation is no longer optional as rising labour costs and increasing global competition demand higher efficiency and productivity. He encouraged manufacturers to integrate AI into production planning, factory management and decision-making, while exploring AI-enabled manufacturing technologies and diversifying into technical and medical textiles.
Huawei is the title sponsor of the summit. Envoy Legacy, A&E (American & Efird) (BD) Ltd, Sunrise Zhejiang Risun Intelligent Technology Co Ltd, and Transcom are the powered-by partners.
Envoy Legacy Group, Method Apparel Consultancy, Paramount Textiles, A&E, Click software, R&G 3rd Eye, Sunrise, Hithium Energy, Greenbud, Wagely, Messe Frankfurt showcasing their innovations and activities at BAYLA Summit.
In his welcome remarks, BAYLA President Abrar Hossain Sayem said the traditional business model would no longer be sufficient in tomorrow’s global marketplace.
 in Dhaka under the theme “Think Beyond Today.”){kind=link}