Bangladesh’s garment industry is expanding its market reach beyond the traditional US and European markets, focusing on the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have seen a significant rise in garment exports in the last financial year.
Figure: Bangladesh’s apparel exports to Saudi Arabia and Gulf Soar to new heights.
The industry, which accounts for 80% of the country’s exports and employs four million people, has been hit by a decline in sales in traditional markets since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting a reorientation of the promotion strategy.
The country made $42.6 billion between July 2021-June 2022 from garment exports, with the EU and the US being the largest markets. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association’s data reveals a surge in exports to the Gulf, with sales to Saudi Arabia rising by 40% to $125 million and to the UAE up by 21% to $183 million.
The country is positioning itself to capture the Middle East’s substantial apparel imports, with China and India being the major suppliers currently. The presence of a considerable number of Bangladeshi workers in the Gulf region presents another opportunity to promote and introduce Bangladeshi products.
Bangladesh has further cemented its position as a global leader in sustainable garment manufacturing, with three more factories earning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
With these latest additions, the country now has 240 LEED-certified factories, including 98 with Platinum certification and 128 with Gold certification. Bangladesh also remains home to 66 of the world’s top 100 LEED-certified garment factories, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
The newly certified factories—Echotex Limited, Elite Garments Industries Ltd, and Euro Knit Spinn Ltd—have all achieved Platinum certification, the highest level under the LEED rating system.
Among the Newly Certified Factories – Echotex Limited is located in Polli Biddut, Chandura, Kaliakoir, Gazipur. Certification level: Platinum.
Elite Garments Industries Ltd is located in Bade Kalmeswar, Board Bazar, National University, Gazipur. Certification level: Platinum.
And Euro Knit Spinn Ltd is located in Dhanua, Sreepur, Gazipur. Certification level: Platinum.
LEED certification, developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), is a globally recognised benchmark for environmentally sustainable construction. It assesses factors such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and the use of sustainable materials, according to the BGMEA.
Bangladesh’s garment industry has been increasingly focusing on green manufacturing to enhance sustainability and maintain a competitive edge in the global market. The country’s dominance in LEED-certified factories reflects its commitment to reducing carbon emissions while complying with international sustainability standards.
Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of BGMEA, lauded the growing adoption of green initiatives in the RMG sector. He noted that the increasing number of sustainable factories not only enhances Bangladesh’s global reputation but also ensures long-term environmental and economic benefits for the industry.
With international buyers prioritising sustainability in sourcing, Bangladesh’s leadership in green garment manufacturing is expected to further strengthen its position as a key player in the global apparel market.
A total of 344 readymade garment factories have yet to pay bonuses ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the largest religious festivals for Muslims, set to be celebrated next week, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Factories were instructed to clear bonuses by the 20th of Ramadan and pay half of March’s salary before the Eid vacation.
RMG workers in Dhaka and Chattogram have protested over unpaid wages and benefits. At one factory, workers attacked officials at another facility over demands for a 10-day holiday in line with government officials’ Eid vacation.
BGMEA data shows that 83.67% of RMG factories – 1,543 in Dhaka and 220 in Chattogram – had cleared bonuses by 24 March, while 98.53% of operational factories had cleared February wages.
However, 84 factories have only paid part or no wages for March, with most stakeholders expecting these payments to be settled by the end of the week or before the Eid holidays.
According to a BGMEA official, 36 factories are at high risk of failing to meet wage, bonus, and allowance payments due to financial crises. Initially, intelligence agencies had estimated that up to 500 factories could face challenges during Eid.
Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said factory owners are working to pay workers in line with government directives.
While some are facing difficulties due to financial issues, he remains hopeful that all payments will be made before Eid, allowing workers to celebrate with their families.
Protests over unpaid dues
Several incidents of unrest occurred across industrial hubs. Workers at JMS Garments in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone blocked Airport Road, demanding unpaid wages and Eid bonuses.
At Roar Fashion in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, about 1,200 workers protested at the BGMEA Bhaban in Uttara, demanding three months’ wages and service benefits.
Around 250 workers initiated the blockade. Additionally, workers from TNZ Apparels in Gazipur blocked roads in Paltan, demanding unpaid wages and bonuses ahead of Eid.
Protests for extended Eid holidays
Workers from Sterling Designs, a Standard Group factory in Kaliakair, blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway, demanding an extension of their Eid holiday.
In Narayanganj, workers from Fame Design attacked officials at Fame Apparel, demanding a 10-day holiday, similar to that of government officials.
BKMEA President Hatem reported that at least four officers were assaulted, with two needing hospitalisations. When production continued, workers turned violent and blocked the Ponchoboti intersection. The army intervened, arresting seven workers involved in the attack.
Fame Design Managing Director Masud Alam Kajol explained that the workers’ demands for a 10-day holiday were not applicable, and protests and disruptions had been ongoing for days.
Workers of a knitwear factory in Gazipur’s Kaliakair upazila staged a protest today (25 March), demanding three months’ due wages and Eid bonuses.
The workers blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway for an hour from 7:30am to 8:30am, disrupting traffic movement in both directions. As a result, commuters and transport operators faced severe difficulties due to the standstill on the highway.
Mouchak police outpost Inspector Abdus Selim said, “The workers were removed from the highway after discussions. Traffic movement is now normal.”
According to police and factory workers, Hagh Knit Wear, a factory located in the Kamrangi Chala area of Kaliakair upazila, employs over 300 workers. The workers had been demanding their overdue salaries and Eid bonuses for several days. However, the factory management did not respond to their demands.
Sources said that when workers arrived at the factory around 7am this morning, they found the main gate locked. Seeing the factory closed, they began protesting, which escalated into a blockade of the Dhaka-Tangail highway.
Upon receiving information, members of the Gazipur Industrial Police, local police, and army personnel arrived at the scene and convinced the workers to clear the road.
Traffic resumed at around 8:30am. However, the workers continued their demonstration in front of the factory.
Bangladesh has solidified its position as a dominant player in the US women’s cotton trousers and shorts market, leveraging its cost competitiveness and favourable trade conditions to outperform key rivals.
The category, classified under HS 620462, continues to see steady demand due to its versatility in both casual and professional wear.
Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, Pakistan, and Cambodia remain the leading exporters in this segment. However, evolving trade policies—particularly the imposition of tariffs on Chinese exports—are expected to reshape market dynamics. These changes could create new opportunities for emerging suppliers while challenging the dominance of traditional leaders, reports Fibre2Fashion.
Bangladesh maintains market leadership with competitive pricing
Bangladesh leads the US market in women’s cotton trousers and shorts, boasting the highest Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) at 72.80. This reflects the country’s ability to produce these garments at highly competitive costs. Additionally, Bangladesh maintains a relatively low Unit Value Realisation (UVR) of $15.62/kg, making its products more attractive to US buyers.
With no tariffs imposed on its exports, Bangladesh has successfully capitalised on its cost-efficient manufacturing, securing a significant market share and reinforcing its status as a top supplier in this category, according to Fibre2Fashion report.
Vietnam holds second place but faces pricing challenges
Vietnam ranks as the second-largest exporter of women’s cotton trousers and shorts to the US, with an RCA of 1.16. However, its UVR stands at $18.52/kg, positioning it at a higher price point compared to Bangladesh and Pakistan. This could limit Vietnam’s competitiveness in the budget-friendly segment.
Despite its higher pricing, Vietnam’s total export value of $707.08 million highlights its strong presence in the US market. The country continues to attract buyers looking for premium-quality garments, even as lower-cost producers gain traction.
China’s market position threatened by tariffs
Once a dominant force in the market, China now faces significant challenges following the imposition of US tariffs. Currently, the third-largest exporter, China holds an RCA of 1.22 with a UVR of $8.31/kg. While its low UVR has historically given it a cost advantage, the new tariffs are expected to impact its pricing strategy.
The first round of tariffs, effective from 4 February 2025, raised the duty on Chinese exports to 10 percent, increasing China’s UVR to approximately $9.14/kg. A second hike, effective from 4 March 2025, pushed the tariff to 20 percent, further driving up the UVR to around $9.97/kg. As a result, China’s garments are becoming less competitive in price-sensitive segments, potentially leading to a decline in its market share.
Pakistan secures a stable position with competitive pricing
Pakistan remains a key supplier, holding an RCA of 67.61 and a UVR of $15.93/kg. Its competitive pricing keeps it in close competition with Bangladesh, making it an appealing option for cost-conscious US buyers.
Pakistan ranks fourth in the market with an export value of $441.36 million. While its growth has been stable rather than rapid, its pricing advantage and tariff-free exports could help it capture additional market share if China continues to lose ground.
Cambodia gains traction as an alternative supplier
Cambodia has emerged as a growing force in the segment, ranking fifth with an RCA of 20.34. With a UVR of $14.53/kg—lower than Vietnam’s but similar to Bangladesh’s—the country is well-positioned to cater to mid-range price segments.
Cambodia’s exports to the US total $324.67 million. With no tariffs imposed on its products and increasing global demand for diversified sourcing, Cambodia is expected to gain further traction in the US market. However, the country’s lower Logistics Performance Index (LPI) compared to Bangladesh could limit its ability to fully capitalise on China’s declining competitiveness.
Future market outlook
Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Cambodia demonstrate high RCA scores, indicating their strong competitiveness in the women’s cotton trousers and shorts segment. Their ability to maintain low production costs and secure tariff-free access to the US market gives them a significant advantage.
In contrast, Vietnam and China show lower RCA scores, suggesting a weaker competitive edge in this category. Vietnam has positioned itself as a supplier of higher-value garments, appealing to quality-focused buyers. Meanwhile, China, despite its historically low UVR, faces increasing pressure from tariff hikes, which could drive buyers toward alternative suppliers.
As tariffs raise the landed cost of Chinese products by at least 20 percent, US buyers may shift their sourcing strategies. This could benefit Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Cambodia, reshaping the competitive landscape and reinforcing their positions as key suppliers in the US market.
বিশ্বের অন্যান্য দেশের মতো যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের অনেক মানুষ টি-শার্ট বা স্যান্ডো গেঞ্জি পরে থাকতে ভালোবাসেন বা আরামবোধ করেন।
দেশটির মানুষের গায় যেসব টি-শার্ট, স্যান্ডো গেঞ্জি দেখা যায় সেটির বড় একটি অংশই উৎপাদিত হয় বাংলাদেশে।
ফ্যাশন বিষয়ক ওয়েবসাইট ফাইবার২ফ্যাশন জানিয়েছে, যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে সবচেয়ে বেশি টি-শার্ট রপ্তানি করে নিকারাগুয়া। এরপরই রয়েছে বাংলাদেশ। এরপর যথাক্রমে আছে হন্ডুরাস, ভারত, ভিয়েতনাম ও চীন।
যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে পোশাক রপ্তানির দিক দিয়ে চীন এগিয়ে থাকলেও সুতির টি-শার্ট রপ্তানিতে তারা শীর্ষ পাঁচ দেশের মধ্যে নেই।
এর অন্যতম কারণ হতে পারে চীন অন্যান্য পোশাকের ওপর বেশি গুরুত্ব দেয়। অথবা যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের লাতিন আমেরিকান বাণিজ্যিক মিত্রদের মধ্যে এই পণ্যের চাহিদা বেশি।
বাংলাদেশের এই পণ্য যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে কেন জনপ্রিয়?
ফাইবার২ফ্যাশন জানিয়েছে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে বাংলাদেশ ৫৩৭ দশমিক ৪২ মিলিয়ন ডলারের টি-শার্ট ও সেন্ডো গ্যাঞ্জি রপ্তানি করেছে।
এরমধ্যে পণ্যের গুণগত মান যাচাইয়ের দিক দিয়ে বাংলাদেশের অবস্থান বেশ শক্তিশালী। এতে করে প্রতিযোগিতামূলক দামে বাংলাদেশ ভালো পণ্য দিতে পারে।
তবে মার্কিন বাজারে প্রবেশ করতে বাংলাদেশের এসব পণ্যের ১৬ দশমিক ৫ শতাংশ শুল্ক দিতে হয়। যা দেশের পণ্যের দাম সহনীয় রাখার ক্ষেত্রে প্রভাব পড়ছে।
তা সত্ত্বেও বাংলাদেশ শক্তিশালী অবস্থান ধরে রেখেছে। যেখানে শীর্ষস্থানে থাকা নিকারাগুয়ার পণ্যে কোনো শুল্ক নেই। সূত্র: ফাইবার২ফ্যাশন
ঈদুল ফিতর আসতে আর মাত্র এক সপ্তাহ বাকি। দেশের বৃহত্তম তাঁত শিল্পসমৃদ্ধ এলাকা পাবনা ও সিরাজগঞ্জের তাঁতিরা ব্যস্ত সময় পার করলেও আশানুরূপ বিক্রি না হওয়ায় তাদের মধ্যে হতাশা বিরাজ করছে। উৎপাদন খরচ বৃদ্ধি এবং পাইকারি বাজারে বিক্রি কমে যাওয়ায় অনেক তাঁতি লোকসানের মুখে পড়েছেন।
তাঁতিরা জানান, অন্যান্য বছরের মতো এবার তাঁতপল্লিগুলোতে যাকাতের কাপড়ের চাহিদা তেমন দেখা যাচ্ছে না। পাশাপাশি, পার্শ্ববর্তী দেশে তাঁতবস্ত্র রপ্তানি কমে যাওয়ায় পাইকারি বাজারে বিক্রিও কমেছে।
তাঁত কাপড় তৈরির প্রধান উপকরণ সুতার দাম গত এক বছরে ৫০ শতাংশ বাড়লেও কাপড়ের দাম বেড়েছে ১০ শতাংশের মতো। এতে লাভ তো দূরের কথা, উৎপাদন খরচ তোলা নিয়েও শঙ্কায় প্রান্তিক তাঁতিরা।
তাঁত সমিতির হিসেব মতে নানা সংকটের কারণে অনেক তাঁত বন্ধ হয়ে গেছে। এ বছর পাবনা ও সিরাজগঞ্জের সাড়ে ৪ লাখ তাঁতের মধ্যে আড়াই লাখের মতো তাঁতে কাজ চলছে।
সিরাজগঞ্জের তাঁত ব্যবসায়ী ও বাংলাদেশ স্পেশালাইজড টেক্সটাইল মিলস অ্যান্ড পাওয়ারলুম ইন্ডাস্ট্রিজের পরিচালক মো. হায়দার আলী দ্য ডেইলি স্টারকে বলেন, এ বছর সুতার দাম বৃদ্ধির কারণে উৎপাদন খরচ বৃদ্ধি পেলেও তাঁত কাপরের দাম সেভাবে বাড়েনি।
উৎপাদন খরচ বৃদ্ধির কারণে আশানুরূপ লাভের মুখ না দেখায় প্রান্তিক তাঁতিদের বেশিরভাগই তাদের কারখানাগুলো চালাতে পারছে না বলেও জানান তিনি।
সরেজমিনে পাবনা ও সিরাজগঞ্জের তাঁতপল্লি ঘুরে দেখা গেছে, উৎসবের মৌসুমেও প্রান্তিক তাঁতিদের অনেকেই তাদের কারখানাগুলো চালাতে পারছে না। অনেকে আবার নিজের কারখানাতেই শ্রমিকের কাজ করে কোনোমতে সংসার চালাচ্ছেন।
পাবনা সদর উপজেলার দোগাছি কুলুনিয়া গ্রামের তাঁতি উজ্জ্বল বিশ্বাস দ্য ডেইলি স্টারকে বলেন, তার কারখানায় পাঁচটি তাঁত থাকলেও ক্রমাগত লোকসানের বোঝা মাথায় নিয়ে প্রায় দুই মাস আগেই কারখানা বন্ধ করে দিতে হয়েছে।
তিনি জানান, ঈদের মৌসুমেও কারখানা চালানোর মতো পুঁজি না থাকায় একজন মহাজন কাপড় তৈরির জন্য কাঁচামাল সরবরাহ করেছে। তিন ভাই মিলে সেই কাজ করছেন।
‘বেকার বসে থাকার চেয়ে নিজের কারখানায় শ্রমিকের কাজ করে দিনে প্রতিজন ৮/১০ টি লুঙ্গি তৈরি করে ২৫০ থেকে ৩০০ টাকার মতো আয় হচ্ছে, এতে কোনরকমে সংসারের খরচ চলে গেলেও কারখানা চালানো সম্ভব নয়।’
কুলুনিয়া গ্রামের তাঁতি আব্দুস সাত্তার দ্য ডেইলি স্টারকে বলেন, গত বছর এ সময় এক বান্ডিল সুতা (৮০ কাউন্ট) কিনতে তাঁতিদের গুনতে হয়েছে ১৮ থেকে ২০ হাজার টাকা।
গত আগস্টের পর থেকেই সুতার দাম বৃদ্ধি শুরু করে, ঈদের মৌসুমের উৎপাদন শুরু হওয়ার আগে আবারও দাম বাড়ে সুতার।
সাত্তার জানান, দুই মাস আগেও এক বান্ডিল সুতা কিনতে হয়েছে ২৬ থেকে ২৮ হাজার টাকায়। এখন এক বান্ডিল সুতা কিনতে তাঁতিদের গুনতে হচ্ছে ৩০ হাজার টাকা। ফলে উৎপাদন খরচ বেড়েছে, কিন্তু বাজারে কাপড়ের দাম সে হারে বাড়েনি। ফলে আমাদের টিকে থাকাই কঠিন হয়ে পড়েছে।’
আব্দুস সাত্তার জানান, গত বছর এক থান লুঙ্গি বিক্রি হয়েছে ৩০০ থেকে ৩২০ টাকা তাঁতিরা লাভ করেছে ৩০ থেকে ৪০ টাকা। এবার সুতার দাম বাড়লেও এক থান লুঙ্গি বিক্রি হচ্ছে ৩৪০ থেকে ৩৫০ টাকায় এতে প্রতি পিসে ১০ থেকে ১৫ টাকা লাভ তুলতে হিমশিম খেতে হচ্ছে বলে জানান তিনি।
ঢাকার একটি স্পিনিং মিলের ব্যবসায়ী শাকিল আহমেদ দ্য ডেইলি স্টারকে বলেন, তাঁত কারখানার জন্য সবচেয়ে বেশি প্রয়োজন হয় ৮০ কাউন্ট সুতা। দেশের স্পিনিং মিলগুলোতে ৮০ কাউন্ট সুতা উৎপাদনে খরচ অনেক বেশি পড়ে।
ফলে দেশের চাহিদার বেশিরভাগ ৮০ কাউন্ট আমদানি করা হয় ভারত আর চীন থেকে। সাম্প্রতিক সময়ে ভারত থেকে সুতার আমদানি অনেক কমে গেছে ফলে বাজারে ৮০ সুতার দাম বেড়েছে।
এছারাও ৬০-কাউন্ট সুতার দামও বেড়েছে প্রায় ৫ থেকে ১০ শতাংশ বলে জানান তিনি।
এদিকে তাঁত ব্যবসায়ী ও সংগঠক হায়দার আলী বলেন, সরকার প্রান্তিক তাঁতিদের জন্য শুল্কমুক্ত সুতা আমদানির সুবিধা দিয়ে থাকলেও বেশিরভাগ প্রান্তিক তাঁতিই এ সুবিধা পায় না ফলে প্রান্তিক তাঁতিদের চড়া দামেই সুতা কিনতে হচ্ছে।
ঈদ মৌসুমেও নেই আশানুরূপ ব্যবসা
একদিকে উৎপাদন খরচ বৃদ্ধির কারণে যখন ব্যবসা টিকিয়ে রাখা নিয়ে শঙ্কায় রয়েছেন তাঁতিরা, তখন ঈদের মৌসুমে আশানুরূপ ব্যবসা না থাকায় হতাশ তারা।
শাহজাদপুর কাপড় হাটের ব্যবসায়ী মো. গোলাম হোসেন দ্য ডেইলি স্টারকে বলেন, গত বছর ঈদের মৌসুমে প্রতি হাটে কমপক্ষে ৪০০ থেকে ৫০০ লুঙ্গির থান বিক্রি করতে পারলেও এ বছর ২৫০ থেকে ৩০০ থানের বেশি বিক্রি করতে পারেননি।
শাহজাদপুরে সপ্তাহে দুই হাটে চারদিন বেচাকেনা হয়। অন্যান্য বছর প্রতি সপ্তাহে প্রায় দেড় হাজার থান বিক্রি হলেও এ বছর হাজার খানেক থান বিক্রি করতে হিমশিম খেতে হচ্ছে তাকে।
দেশের বিভিন্ন জেলা থেকে এবং ভারতে সরবরাহের জন্যও এ হাট থেকে তাঁতের কাপর বিক্রি করা হয়। তবে এ বছর বাইরের ক্রেতাদের সমাগম অনেক কম বলে দাবি করেন তিনি।
শাহজাদপুর হাটের কাপড় ব্যবসায়ী হাজী বদিউজ্জামান বলেন, প্রতি বছর ঈদের সময় এ হাট থেকে সপ্তাহে প্রায় ১৫০ থেকে ২০০ কোটি টাকার কাপড় বিক্রি হলেও এ বছর প্রতি সপ্তাহে ১০০ কোটি টাকারও কাপড় বিক্রি হচ্ছে না।
প্রতি বছর যাকাতের কাপর সংগ্রহ করার জন্য এ হাটে ভিড় বেশি থাকে তবে এ বছর যাকাতের কাপড় বিক্রি আশঙ্কাজনকভাবে কমে যাওয়ায় শাহজাদপুর হাটের ঈদের মৌসুমের ব্যবসায় ভাটা পড়েছে বলে জানান তিনি।
পাশাপাশি প্রতি বছর এ হাট থেকে বিপুল সংখ্যক তাঁত কাপড় ভারতের ক্রেতাদের কাছে বিক্রি করা হলেও এ বছর বাইরের ক্রেতাদের দেখা নেই।
ব্যবসায়ীরা জানান, তাঁত কাপড়ের পুরো বছরের ব্যবসার সিংহভাগই হয় রমজানে ঈদকে সামনে রেখে। কিন্তু এ বছর সব মিলিয়ে ঈদের আশানুরূপ ব্যবসা নেই। ফলে এ বছর ঈদের মৌসুমে তাঁতিদের মুখেও হাসি নেই।
A garments factory official died after falling ill during a protest demanding unpaid wages and benefits in front of the ‘Shram Bhaban’ at Bijoynagar, Dhaka today (23 March).
The deceased was identified as Ram Prasad Singh, 40, a senior assistant manager at Style Craft Limited in Joydebpur, Gazipur and hailed from Fulgazi upazila in Feni.
Din Islam, a quality executive at the factory, said Ram Prasad became unwell at around 12:30pm while participating in the demonstration.
“He was first taken to Islami Bank Hospital and later shifted to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) as his condition deteriorated. After a medical examination, doctors declared him dead at 4:00pm,” he said.
Amir Hossain, a section manager at the factory, said that Ram Prasad Singh had worked at the Gazipur-based garment factory for several years. “Since 2019, wages at the factory have been irregular, with workers receiving only one month’s salary every few months.”
Currently, 14 months’ worth of wages remain unpaid and the workers have been protesting for a long time to demand their dues, and in the last five days, around 250 workers staged a demonstration in front of the Shrom Bhaban in Dhaka, he added.
Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of DMCH Police post, said that the body had been sent to the morgue for an autopsy.
Ram Prasad Singh hailed from Fulgazi upazila in Feni.
American & Efird (A&E), a leading global thread supplier, has officially inaugurated its 24th manufacturing facility in Chattogram. This expansion marks a significant milestone in A&E’s strategy to enhance its global manufacturing network and respond to the growing demand for innovative thread solutions in Bangladesh and throughout South Asia.
Strategically located near Southern Bangladesh’s bustling seaport and financial hub, the new state-of-the-art facility complements A&E’s existing operation in Gazipur. This expansion is expected to boost production capacity, improve service levels, and reduce lead times, allowing A&E to deliver high-quality thread products more efficiently to customers around the world.
The facility’s opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that attracted industry leaders, customers, suppliers, partners, and government officials. Guests were given an exclusive tour of the new facility, where they learned about its advanced technologies and capabilities.
The Chittagong facility is equipped with the latest manufacturing technologies and scalable production processes designed to meet increasing market demands. Key features include advanced production lines for spun and filament thread products, dedicated research and development capabilities for product innovation, and sustainability-focused operations aimed at reducing environmental impact. The facility is also expected to create over 350 local jobs, contributing to the region’s economic development.
In addition to manufacturing, the Chittagong facility will serve as a regional hub for innovation, where A&E will focus on developing advanced thread solutions, optimising production processes, and implementing sustainability initiatives.
With this expansion, A&E further solidifies its leadership role in the global textile industry, building on a legacy of excellence that dates back to 1891. The Chittagong facility is poised to play a vital role in the company’s future growth and in shaping the next generation of thread solutions for the textile sector.
Workers from two readymade garments (RMG) factories in Gazipur’s Tongi and Kaliakair have blocked highways to demonstrate over factory shutdown, unpaid wages, and payment of Eid bonuses and overtime allowances.
The protests snapped vehicular movement on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway and a regional highway for one and a half hours.
Later, law enforcers went to the spots and brought the situation back to normal.
According to police, workers from BSIS Apparels Limited at Hossain market area in Tongi demonstrated by blocking the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway from 7am this morning (23 March), protesting the shutdown of their factory following unrest for several days.
The protest caused severe gridlock on the highway, creating havoc for the commuters. Later, army members went to the spot around 8:45am and persuaded the workers to leave the street by assuring them of payment of their dues.
The workers later took positions in front of their factory, said the police.
According to factory sources, the workers at BSIS asked the authorities to set a date for the payment of their wages for February, Eid bonuses and overtime allowances on 10 March.
Although the factory authorities set 23 March as the payment date, the workers were not satisfied with the decision, which led to their work abstention on 10 March, sources added.
When the workers went to the factory on the morning of 11 March, they found a factory closure notice hanging at the main gate, which resulted in their protest. They withdrew their protest, being assured by police and army members about payment of their dues, and accepted today as the payment date.
At that time, the workers had said they will not join work unless their dues were paid by the factory authorities.
Rehana, a protesting worker, said, “We have not been paid our salaries for February. Besides, the factory authorities were supposed to pay us our Eid bonuses and overtime allowances today. We found a closure notice when we went to the factory in the morning, so we took to the street. Later, we left the street being assured by army and police members.”
Iqbal Hossain, owner of the factory, couldn’t be reached for comments.
Meanwhile, workers at Daeyu Bangladesh Limited in Kaliakair have been staging a protest since yesterday (22 March), demanding leave allowances, Eid bonuses, and tiffin allowances.
The violence occurred when some staff and outsiders chased the workers of the factory away around 9am, resulting in a fistfight between the workers and the outsiders.
The incident left three to four workers injured, who were taken to the nearby hospital for treatment. The agitated workers then vandalised the factory premises, said factory sources.
Some other factories declared today a holiday when 400-500 workers from Daeyu Bangladesh Limited went to the factory gates and asked the other workers to join their protest.
The agitated workers vandalised the premises of Lyric Industries Limited when the factory authorities delayed declaring a holiday. A female worker sustained a head injury after a brick thrown by the agitated workers hit her, sources added.
Superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police-2 AKM Jahirul Islam said, “The workers of the Tongi factory have been moved away from the street after assuring them of paying their dues. Vehicular movement on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway is currently normal.”
“Additional police members have been deployed in front of Daiyu factory in Kaliakair. The situation is currently normal, and efforts are being made to solve the issue by discussing it with the factory authorities,” the SP added.
As luxury brands navigate an era of recalibration, the Fall/Winter 2025 menswear season proved that those who challenge conventions with fresh ideas are best positioned to defy the industry’s economic slowdown. With menswear outpacing womenswear in the Italian market and global menswear sales projected to grow from US $ 595.74 billion to US $ 936.94 billion by 2033, designers seized the moment to sharpen their vision. The result? A season that balanced heritage with reinvention, offering collections that resonated with modern consumers while ensuring longevity.
One defining shift was the move away from ‘quiet luxury’. Instead of strict minimalism, designers are gravitating towards modern elegance – honouring tradition while injecting newness into classic menswear. At Zegna, knitwear transcended its usual role, styled as outerwear for a soft yet sophisticated effect, while Dior embraced the house’s archival H silhouette, playing with draped blouses, cinched trousers and structured-yet-fluid tailoring.
This season, the classic suit became a canvas for bold experimentation, with Louis Vuitton and KidSuper deconstructing traditional tailoring and Willy Chavarria opting for oversized checks and relaxed volumes.
Menswear’s rugged spirit was equally present, particularly in the resurgence of Western influences. Unlike previous seasons’ literal cowboy interpretations, designers took a more refined approach with Prada’s scuffed paisley-printed cowboy boots and Hermès’ equestrian-inspired suede pieces hinting at the American West without veering into costume territory. Corduroy suiting at Willy Chavarria and snap-buttoned overshirts at Louis Vuitton spoke of the trend’s adaptability across aesthetics.
Another major shift came in denim, where slim-fitted jeans made a quiet yet confident return. Bluemarble leaned into the 2000s revival with faded washes, proving that denim’s evolution remains key in the modern wardrobe. In outerwear, function met fashion through technical innovation. Rick Owens, Sacai and Emporio Armani doubled down on performance-driven silhouettes, layering textures, pockets and weatherproof details for a utilitarian edge.
Earthy hues like tobacco, espresso and chocolate dominated, punctuated by rich burgundy and deep forest green dominated the runways, whilst Grey and charcoal emerged as the season’s alternative to black.
F/W ’2025-26 reaffirmed that menswear is not merely evolving— it’s expanding, embracing both utility and indulgence, modernity and heritage. Below, we highlight the key trends dictating the season and how you can build these trends into your assortments for success.
Reinterpreting the classic suit
The classic suit is undergoing a bold transformation for Fall/Winter 2025 season, becoming a canvas for innovation and self-expression. Across major runways, designers redefined traditional tailoring with unexpected cuts, textures and proportions, signalling a shift toward a more contemporary, individualistic approach to formalwear.
At Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams and Nigo introduced asymmetrical cuts and experimental fabrics, challenging conventional suiting norms. KidSuper’s Colm Dillane took a more structured route, reimagining striped suits in dark hues with a graphic edge, while, Willy Chavarria leaned into exaggerated silhouettes, incorporating wide-leg trousers and oversized checked prints, making a powerful statement on inclusivity and modern masculinity.
For brands seeking to adapt this trend, the key lies in deconstructing classic tailoring while maintaining wearability. Consider oversized blazers with cinched waists, asymmetrical lapels or hybrid suiting that merge traditional wool with unexpected materials like velvet, leather or technical fabrics. Experimenting with volume— be it boxy shoulders or slouchy trousers— can work well with various demographics.
Technical outerwear
Even after the peak of the gorpcore movement, technical outerwear remains an essential pillar of Fall/Winter 2025 collections with designers continuing to refine performance-driven pieces, balancing function with futuristic aesthetics.
The more utilitarian, the better— think featuring oversized pockets, adjustable toggles, protective hoods and advanced fabrications that reinforce durability and weather resistance.
Sacai embraced a storytelling approach, drawing inspiration from Maurice Sendak’s ‘Where the Wild Things Are’, resulting in tactile puffer jackets trimmed with faux fur, earthy tones and UGG-collaborated bear-like boots. Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto and IM Men (Issey Miyake) leaned into alternate, almost dystopian aesthetics, presenting outerwear suited for a post-apocalyptic lifestyle. Emporio Armani and Y-3 doubled down on texture and high-performance materials, catering to urban explorers seeking both practicality and style.
Incorporating elements like weatherproof coatings, modular layering and dynamic silhouettes— whether oversized bombers or sculptural parkas— can make technical outerwear more appealing to a broader audience.
Plaids please
Plaid continues to dominate the upcoming season, evolving beyond its traditional workwear roots with designers exploring a spectrum of plaid interpretations, from bold and oversized to subtle and sophisticated.
Junya Watanabe’s nostalgic approach leaned into the rugged appeal of 2013’s lumberjack-chic aesthetic, pairing large red plaids with utilitarian workwear, while Ralph Lauren and Zegna took a more polished route, weaving classic checks into tailored outerwear and suiting. Hermès introduced an abstract take on the trend, experimenting with effortless colour combinations that added depth and movement to the pattern. Meanwhile, Amiri channelled the 1970s, incorporating vintage-checked motifs into relaxed silhouettes for a contemporary-meets-retro feel.
For brands looking to integrate plaid into their collections, the key lies in reworking proportions, colours and applications. Oversized plaids on outerwear and knitwear offer a bold statement, while micro-checks and tonal herringbones lend themselves well to understated layering. Mixing plaids with modern tailoring, unexpected fabrications or contrasting textures can redefine the trend, ensuring it remains relevant for the season to come.
Faux fur coats
Faux fur coats have emerged as a defining outerwear statement for the upcoming F/W ’25 season, seamlessly blending luxury with contemporary streetwear influences. Parisian runways showcased diverse interpretations, from Sacai’s fusion of plush textures with technical yokes to the urban-inspired designs of 424 and 3. Paradis, which infused faux fur with modern cuts and streetwear detailing. Milan followed suit, with Emporio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana refining the trend through classic silhouettes and superior craftsmanship, reinforcing faux fur’s position as a timeless investment piece. Plush textures in rich, muted hues offered a sophisticated spin on the trend, while exaggerated collars and oversized shapes added drama to outerwear essentials.
In order to derive the most out of this trend, the key lies in balancing opulence with wearability. Play with voluminous cuts for a statement effect or integrate faux fur as panelling in hybrid outerwear pieces for a more subtle approach. Exploring unconventional colorways can further elevate the look, while sustainable sourcing and innovative fabric treatments will appeal to the eco-conscious consumer.
Men in Pink
Pink has emerged as one of the standout colours of the Fall/Winter 2025 season, making a powerful comeback on the men’s catwalks. No longer limited to solely womenswear, pink is a defining colour for menswear this season. From soft pastels to bold hues, designers are embracing pink to challenge traditional gender norms and infuse a sense of modern sophistication into the male wardrobe. This season’s approach moves beyond novelty, integrating pink into structured tailoring, casualwear and statement outerwear.
Kim Jones at Dior reimagined powder pink in elegantly cut silhouettes, using refined tailoring to enhance the colour’s delicate yet confident appeal. Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton collection skillfully showcased pink’s versatility in streetwear, with checkered cardigans that balanced vibrancy with everyday wearability. At Rochas, pastel pink coats with broad shoulders evoked a romantic yet powerful aesthetic, while Maria Koch at 032C took a bold, textured approach, injecting contemporary energy into the hue.
Modern Elegance
As fashion moves away from the rigid codes of quiet luxury, Fall/Winter 2025 embraces a more expressive form of refinement with heritage pieces being reimagined through fluidity, soft tailoring, and an understated grandeur. Designers are blending classic menswear codes with modern ease, creating silhouettes that exude sophistication without the restraint of traditional formality.
This refined aesthetic was particularly evident in Zegna’s collection, where knitwear took centre stage not just as a layering piece but as outerwear itself. Knit-on-knit styling, drapery across the shoulders, reinforced a relaxed yet luxurious sensibility. At Dior, Kim Jones revived the house’s archival H silhouette, introducing effortless sensuality through draped blouses, cinched-waist oversized trousers, and structured yet fluid blazers.
For brands looking to interpret this trend, the focus should be on balancing structure and ease. Incorporating deconstructed tailoring, knit-infused outerwear and fluid layering will ensure collections feel both modern and timeless, bridging classic craftsmanship with contemporary elegance.
Skinny jeans
Slim-fitted denim is making a confident comeback for Fall/Winter 2025-26, striking a balance between streamlined silhouettes and modern wearability. This season’s iteration dials back on the extreme skinniness of past decades, instead favouring a tailored, elongated fit that flatters without feeling restrictive.
Dior’s approach leaned into quiet luxury, refining the cut with premium fabrics and meticulous detailing, ensuring an elevated take on slim denim. Bluemarble injected a Y2K-inspired sensibility, reviving faded washes and vintage hues that recall early-2000s subcultures, while Prada’s vision aligned with the resurgence of the ‘Indie Sleaze’ movement, pairing slim trousers with relaxed velvet blazers for a nonchalant, rock-and-roll inspired aesthetic.
In order to ace this trend, balancing proportions is key. Pairing slim jeans with structured outerwear or oversized knitwear ensures a fresh, wearable contrast. Furthermore, distressed finishes, deep indigo washes and tailored cuts in premium denim can cater to both casual and elevated styling.
Ushering in the West
The spirit of the American West continues well into the Fall/Winter 2025 menswear season as well, but what makes the trend stand out this season is the fact that it is more nuanced than the usual cowboy aesthetics of the past. Instead of predictable Western tropes, designers have woven in subtle yet unmistakable references— think snap buttons, subtle panels over structured shoulder yokes, topstitching, suede and corduroy textures, denim and earthy hues. The cowboy boot remains a key element, though often reimagined with a contemporary twist.
Ralph Lauren, Willy Chavarria, and Louis Vuitton infused their collections with Western influences in sophisticated ways. Leather blousons, suede overshirts and checkered patterns made a strong appearance, offering a refined take on rustic style. Hermès leaned into its equestrian heritage, lining raincoats with cashmere horse blankets and crafting shirts and jeans from soft beige suede calfskin. Chavarria amplified the theme through oversized gingham shirts and corduroy tailoring, while Prada’s injected a modern flair with scuffed paisley cowboy boots and subtly embroidered two-tone sweaters.
For brands looking to integrate this trend, the key lies in paring down a bit— think contrasting indigo denim with warm ochre, experimenting with texture play or introducing Western-inspired silhouettes through structured outerwear and tactile finishes. The goal is to evoke the West without making it feel like a costume.
