On 26 January 2026, an important meeting was held between the President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Mr. Showkat Aziz Russell, and senior officials of local textile mills, particularly spinning mills.
At the meeting, deep concern was expressed over the ongoing crisis in the country’s textile sector. Mill representatives stated that local spinning mills are suffering severe losses due to an abnormal increase in yarn imports under duty-free bonded facilities, taking advantage of various incentives and subsidies provided by the governments of neighboring countries. As a result of this unequal competition, the local industry is gradually facing an existential threat.
BTMA President Mr. Showkat Aziz Russell said, “In the current reality, to protect the domestic industry, the previously announced decision to keep all textile mills closed from 1 February 2026 will remain in effect.” He further added, “If the existing unequal advantages in yarn imports are not immediately withdrawn and effective policy measures are not taken, the country’s textile sector will face a severe catastrophe.”
During the meeting, he highlighted the significant contribution of domestic textile mills to export trade and the overall national economy. He noted that due to various government incentives, spinning mills in neighboring countries are able to export yarn to Bangladesh at prices approximately 30–35 cents per kilogram lower, causing domestic spinning mills to gradually become sick industries.
He further informed that over the past year, yarn imports from India have increased by approximately 137 percent compared to the previous year. Already, around 50 spinning mills have shut down, and at least another 50 mills are at risk of closure. As a result, nearly 200,000 workers and employees have lost their jobs, indicating a serious social and economic crisis.
At the meeting, senior mill officials requested effective and swift action, in line with the Ministry of Commerce’s recommendations, to exclude 10–30 count yarn from bonded warehouse facilities. Expressing optimism, the BTMA President said that the government would take immediate and necessary policy decisions through prompt and effective intervention to protect the domestic industry, investments, and a vast number of jobs.
The meeting was attended by BTMA Director Mr. Md. Badsha Mia and former Director Engineer Razeeb Haider. Also present were ABM Sirajul Islam, Director (Marketing), Jamuna Group and President, Bangladesh Yarn Marketing Professional Association (BYMPA); Md. Azhar Ali, Chief Operating Officer, Salma Group; SK Md. Salim Hossain, General Manager (Sales & Marketing), Akij Textile Mills Ltd.; Kazi Md. Bazlur Rashid, President, Bangladesh Yarn Marketing Professional Association (BYMPA); Abu Jafor Mahmud, General Manager, Regent Spinning Mills Ltd.; Md. Shafikul Qadir, NRG Spinning Mills Ltd.; Md. Monir Hossain, General Manager, Nice Spun Ltd.; Mohammad Gajnabi, General Manager (Operations), Talha Spinning Mills Ltd.; Engr. Momin Lal Mati, Executive Director, Mondol Spinning Mills Ltd.; Md. Enamul Huq, Director (Operations), Bengal NFK Textile Ltd.; Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Director (Operations), Armada Spinning Mills Ltd.; and Mohammed Shahinul Haque, Director (Operations), Mosharraf Composite Textile Mills Ltd.
