Timely and befitting policy support will be crucial in addressing future challenges and unlocking the potential of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry, said apparel leaders at a seminar titled “Current Challenges in the Garment Sector and the Way Forward”, organised by the Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBA) at the Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.
They noted that bold, timely, and focused policy support from the government had previously helped salvage the RMG industry during difficult times. BGBA President Md Mofazzal Hosen Pabel chaired the seminar.
A group of trade leaders expressed concern that due to current political uncertainty and ongoing gas and electricity crises, a portion of new apparel work orders is shifting from Bangladesh to other countries.
Shawkat Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), said, “The world will think twice before placing orders in a country where even the international airport catches fire. Factories are burning, homes are burning – now the airport too. The tangible loss is significant, but the intangible loss is far greater, though invisible to the eye.” He added that the recent airport fire had shaken buyers’ confidence, putting Bangladesh’s apparel export industry under threat as buyers increasingly shift orders abroad.
BGBA President Md Mofazzal Hosen Pabel stressed the importance of unity, cooperation, and professionalism in protecting the industry’s future. “We believe that Bangladesh will return to the top of exports and reputation only through collective efforts,” he said.
Shovon Islam, former director of BGMEA, noted that apparel orders had been declining for the past three months without adequate government policy support. “The situation is worse than during Covid-19,” he said, urging the upcoming elected government to provide proper policy measures to boost exports.
Mohammed Zakir Hossain, Secretary General of BGBA, said that due to gas shortages, apparel exporters are being forced to send goods to buyers via expensive air shipments, leading to significant financial losses.
BGMEA Director Faisal Samad said the apparel industry is facing multiple challenges, and the current BGMEA board is working to address them. “Unfortunately, till now BGMEA has not been able to meet with the Chief Adviser. So why do you take responsibility? Past polls are now sports; polls have started again,” he remarked.
Former commerce minister and BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, who attended the event as chief guest, said Bangladesh’s business environment suffers from “overregulation,” which increases operational costs. “If the BNP returns to power, we will move towards deregulation, even if it is painful,” he added.
