ROMO Fashion Today Ltd. is one of Bangladesh’s leading 100% export-oriented knit garment manufacturers, renowned for supplying high-quality lingerie and knitwear to major retailers across Europe and the United States. Since 2007, the company has built a strong reputation for technical excellence, competitive pricing, and dependable delivery. With a monthly production capacity exceeding 3.2 million garments, 32 dedicated sewing lines, and 1,486 modern machines, ROMO offers a diverse product portfolio that includes men’s, women’s, and children’s underwear, sleepwear, knitted T-shirts, and babywear. Its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction continues to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global apparel industry.
In this exclusive interview with Textile Focus, Mohammad Mohsin, Chairman of Romo Group, shares his insights on the current state of Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry, the key challenges confronting manufacturers, and the strategic measures needed to sustain global competitiveness. He also discusses the importance of energy security, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and innovation, and outlines his outlook for the industry’s future amid evolving global market dynamics and intensifying international competition. A brief discussion is given below for our readers.
Textile Focus: How would you describe the current scenario of Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry in 2026?
Mohammad Mohsin: The Bangladesh textile and apparel industry is currently passing through one of its most challenging periods in recent years. While Bangladesh remains one of the world’s leading apparel exporters, manufacturers are operating under significant pressure. Global apparel demand has slowed, buyers are placing smaller orders, and price competition has intensified. At the same time, production costs have increased substantially due to energy shortages, higher financing costs, and logistics inefficiencies. Although Bangladesh has strong manufacturing capabilities and a skilled workforce, maintaining competitiveness is becoming increasingly difficult.
Textile Focus: What are the biggest challenges the industry is facing right now?
Mohammad Mohsin: In my opinion, the industry is facing five major challenges.
First, weak global demand has reduced order volumes. Buyers are becoming more cautious, placing smaller orders, and continuously negotiating lower prices.
Second, uninterrupted electricity and gas supply has become one of the biggest operational challenges. Many factories cannot utilize their full production capacity due to power and gas shortages, leading to lower productivity, delayed shipments, and higher manufacturing costs.
Third, logistics and infrastructure remain inefficient. Port congestion, transportation delays, and longer lead times reduce Bangladesh’s competitiveness compared to other sourcing countries.
Fourth, the cost of doing business has increased significantly. High bank interest rates, financing charges, and capital expenditure make investment in modernization and expansion much more difficult.
Finally, our competing countries are moving much faster. Countries such as India and Vietnam are investing aggressively in infrastructure, technology, and trade diplomacy. India’s Free Trade Agreement with the European Union is a major concern because it will provide duty-free access to one of Bangladesh’s largest export markets, creating additional competitive pressure.
Textile Focus: In your opinion, what practical steps should manufacturers and policymakers take to overcome these challenges?
Mohammad Mohsin: The solution requires coordinated efforts from both the government and manufacturers. The government’s highest priority should be to ensure uninterrupted electricity and gas supplies for export-oriented industries. Without reliable energy, productivity and delivery performance cannot improve. Infrastructure must also be strengthened by improving port efficiency, reducing logistics costs, and simplifying customs procedures.
Financial reforms are equally important. Lower financing costs, easier access to industrial investment, and supportive banking policies would encourage factories to invest in modernization and automation. From the manufacturers’ side, greater emphasis should be placed on productivity improvement, lean manufacturing, digitalization, product diversification, and workforce development. At the same time, Bangladesh needs stronger economic diplomacy. Expanding Free Trade Agreements and preferential market access should become a national priority to maintain competitiveness after LDC graduation.
Textile Focus: How can innovation, technology, and digital transformation help the industry remain globally competitive?
Mohammad Mohsin: Factories should adopt ERP systems, AI-driven production planning, digital quality management, automation, and real-time production monitoring. These technologies can improve productivity, reduce waste, lower production costs, and shorten lead times. Digital product development, data analytics, and supply chain visibility will also help manufacturers respond faster to buyers’ requirements. Ultimately, Bangladesh cannot compete only on low labor cost. We must compete through higher productivity, better quality, faster delivery, and smarter manufacturing.
Textile Focus: What is your outlook for Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry over the next 2–3 years?
Mohammad Mohsin: I remain cautiously optimistic. Bangladesh has strong fundamentals, including experienced manufacturers, a skilled workforce, and a well-established supply chain. However, the next two to three years will be critical. If energy security improves, logistics become more efficient, financing costs are reduced, and Bangladesh successfully expands its trade agreements, the industry can regain stronger growth.
However, if structural challenges remain unresolved while competing countries continue improving rapidly, Bangladesh may gradually lose market share in some export destinations. The future success of our textile and apparel industry will depend not only on producing garments at competitive prices but also on improving productivity, ensuring reliable infrastructure, embracing technology, and strengthening international trade relationships. These factors will determine whether Bangladesh can sustain its position as one of the world’s leading apparel sourcing destinations.
