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A ‘million-dollar’ wedding and the death of an unpaid RMG worker

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RMG Bangladesh
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This is a tale of two realities. In one, a “million-dollar” wedding of Bangladeshi businessman Javed Opgenhaffen dazzled Paris last year; in the other, a female worker’s life was cut short in a violent wage protest at Javed’s family-owned garment factory in Bangladesh this year.

In September 2023, Javed married an Indian-origin fashion icon, Rosemin Madhavji, in a lavish wedding in Paris. Photos and videos of the glamorous ceremony went viral on social media.

Touted as one of the most expensive weddings in Paris that year, the event attracted global media attention, with magazines like Vogue and Tatler covering it extensively.

This opulent display of wealth abroad sharply contrasts the harsh reality back home a year later, where thousands of workers at Javed’s family-owned factory, Generation Next Fashions Ltd, are struggling to survive without being paid for months.

Since early September this year, workers at the Ashulia factory have been protesting over unpaid wages, leading to clashes with local law enforcement. The factory was closed on 9 September, but protests for arrears continued.

The factory was permanently closed yesterday. The decision was made at a meeting of company officials, labour leaders, the labour ministry and the BGMEA.

The company must pay up all dues to its workers and employees as per law.

During a clash on 23 October, Champa Khatun, a 25-year-old worker of the factory, was critically injured. After days in the ICU at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, she succumbed to her injuries on 27 October.

Champa’s death is one of three casualties linked to recent labour unrest in Bangladesh’s RMG sector, which has also left dozens injured.

Generation Next is not solely responsible for the unrest affecting the RMG sector, the country’s leading export earner, but it certainly contributed to worsening the unrest.

According to BGMEA sources, by the third week of October, the labour unrest had eased and all factories had reopened except for two, one of which is Generation Next, as it still has not paid due wages. 

Besides, its owners are reportedly unreachable. Javed, a former director of the company, and his father, Tauhidul Islam Chaudhury, the company’s current chairman,  are believed to be overseas.

Tauhidul Islam Chaudhury, a sponsor director of Generation Next Fashions, holds a 5.13% stake and AJ Corporation, chaired by Tauhidul, owns nearly 7% of the company. Other family members also have stakes in the company, according to the latest report from the Dhaka bourse.

Javed is a shareholder and director in various business ventures in Bangladesh, serving as vice chairman of AJ Corporation, chairman of Fu-Wang Ceramic Industry Ltd and SS Steel, and director of Generation Next Technologies Ltd, according to AJ’s website. 

The family operates a diverse portfolio of businesses, including ready-made garments, real estate, steel manufacturing, and more.

‘Close ties with Sheikh family’

Javed and his father reportedly went into hiding after 5 August, the day former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League was ousted from power.

Javed’s family is reported to have close ties with Sheikh Hasina’s family, particularly through Saida Muna Tasneem – a stakeholder in Generation Next as per the BGMEA database and the second wife of Javed’s father, Tauhidul Islam Chaudhury. 

Javed is the son of Tauhidul’s first wife.

Saida Muna Tasneem served as the Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK from November 2018 until September this year, when the current interim government ordered her to return to Dhaka immediately as part of an ongoing process to recall envoys appointed by the ousted Awami League government.

However, BCS (Foreign Cadre) 11th batch officer Muna, who was scheduled to begin her post-retirement leave on 26 December, has not responded to this directive.

Diplomats typically serve three-year terms at individual missions; however, Muna held her position for nearly six years, mainly due to her close ties with the Sheikh family. 

When TBS contacted Saida Muna Tasneem via WhatsApp, she declined to comment on the allegation or the reasons for the poor state of Generation Next Fashions.

TBS also attempted to contact Tauhidul Islam Chaudhury and his son Javed Opgenhaffen via WhatsApp about the unpaid wages of workers but was unable to establish communication.

Wage backlog triggered protests

According to company officials, Generation Next Fashion faced a growing inability to meet payroll obligations after the July-August political upheaval.

Although it managed to pay only the workers’ salaries in July – excluding the management staff – by August, over 4,700 employees and staff were owed wages, leading to protests.

According to the BGMEA, the salaries owed to only management staff amounted to Tk3 crore in July.

A factory official, speaking anonymously, told TBS that salary issues started in April, with the company’s financial strain becoming evident by July when the company cut back on raw materials and other supplies. 

“The company owes around Tk21.66 crore to employees, with October wages expected to add at least Tk5 crore more to this debt,” he said.

Despite the arrears, workers continued working, initially raising wage demands internally. However, on 8 September, they began a work abstention in protest, and by 21 September, the protests escalated to roadblocks and clashes occurred with law enforcers, said the official.  

Company Secretary Mohammad Shahjahan told TBS, “Our main issue is the labour unrest. When workers stopped coming in, we had no choice but to suspend operations.” 

When asked about the outstanding wages, he said that the delays were due to difficulties in securing bank loans.

Requesting anonymity, officials from the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) informed TBS that, according to database information, Generation Next Fashions and AJ Corporation have bank liabilities exceeding Tk500 crore.

Shahjahan said a meeting was held with workers on 26 October, where it was decided that salaries would be paid in instalments, with August’s salary due by 5 November.

“The factory will be reopened shortly after salary disbursement,” he said. 

“We have always had sufficient work orders, but worker unrest disrupted production, delaying exports and causing orders to be put on hold,” the company secretary added.

Securities law violation

Generation Next Fashions, a publicly listed company, may have violated securities laws by failing to notify the stock exchange of its factory closure on 9 September. 

Although the company released its third-quarter FY24 report on 30 April, no information about the factory shutdown has been disclosed on the stock exchange’s website, breaching listing rules.

Fall of a once-profitable company

Established as a private limited company in 2004, Generation Next Fashions Ltd entered the capital market in 2012, raising Tk30 crore through its IPO.

According to the latest report from the Dhaka Stock Exchange, Javed’s family and affiliated companies hold 16.26% of Generation Next’s shares, while general investors own 83.74% (62.39% public and 21.35% institute).

Key shareholders include Javed’s father, Tauhidul Islam Chaudhury, a sponsor director with a 5.13% stake; AJ Corporation with 6.97%; managing director of AJ Corporation Indian national Rajib Sethi with 2%; director Alavee Azfar Chaudhury with 2.12%; and Shaheen Akhter Chaudhury with 0.04%. 

Generation Next has been faring well in the past few fiscal years with high demand for its products among global buyers, according to BGMEA sources.

According to its financial reports since fiscal years 2018-19, the company reported solid revenue and profits from garment exports. 

It generated Tk518 crore in revenue and Tk21 crore in profit in FY19, Tk292 crore in revenue with a Tk0.33 crore profit in FY21 and Tk596 crore in revenue and Tk3.41 crore in profit in FY23. 

However, it posted a Tk1.86 crore loss in the first three quarters (July-March) of FY24, and revenue declined by 41% to Tk291 crore, attributed to rising costs.

Although FY24 concluded in June this year, Generation Next has yet to schedule a board meeting to release its annual financial report and declare dividends.

When asked about the sudden downturn, Shaheen Akhter Chaudhury, a board director of Generation Next representing AJ Corporation, told TBS, “Business often can go well, and it can go bad; we’re working to turn things around.”

Exploring opportunities for Bangladesh’s RMG sector in the US market

POST BY
RMG Bangladesh
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The United States remains the largest destination for ready-made garment (RMG) exports from Bangladesh, yet there are numerous opportunities for further growth and stronger trade relations. With Bangladesh’s apparel industry facing various challenges, including the suspension of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) by the US in 2013, there is significant potential to improve trade relations and explore new avenues.

Figure: Bangladesh could also advocate for duty-free access to the US market for its RMG products.

Restoring the GSP facility and duty-free access

One of the most critical steps Bangladesh can take is to request the reinstatement of the GSP facility, which was suspended by the US in 2013 due to concerns over labor rights and factory safety issues. Restoring the GSP would provide crucial tariff relief for Bangladeshi exports. In addition to this, Bangladesh could also advocate for duty-free access to the US market for its RMG products.

Reducing or eliminating current tariffs on Bangladeshi goods would significantly improve the country’s competitive standing in the US market. Such changes would increase Bangladesh’s influence, allowing its apparel exports to become more cost-effective and appealing to American retailers. This, in turn, would boost trade volumes and foster stronger business ties between the two countries.

Seeking technical assistance for industry modernization

The US could provide technical assistance to support the modernization and sustainability of Bangladesh’s RMG sector. This could include advanced technological support, training programs, and help in the automation of factories. By improving technology, adopting automation, and focusing on sustainable manufacturing practices, Bangladesh could not only enhance productivity but also meet the growing demand for eco-friendly products in the US.

Technical assistance could also extend to developing Bangladesh’s capacity for high-value products, such as sportswear, activewear, and eco-friendly apparel, helping the country move up the value chain and diversify its product offerings.

Encouraging business partnerships and investment

There is a strong case for encouraging the US to invest in Bangladesh’s RMG sector, particularly in areas such as infrastructure and sustainable manufacturing. The Bangladeshi government and industry leaders could reach out to US investors and companies to explore potential joint ventures and partnerships. These collaborations could focus on expanding production capabilities, adopting new technologies, and ensuring compliance with international standards.

Additionally, promoting business partnerships between investors from both countries could lead to increased investments and shared expansion plans. Such efforts would contribute to the long-term growth and stability of Bangladesh’s garment industry, allowing it to scale up operations and meet rising global demand.

Market diversification and brand promotion in the US

To further solidify its position in the US market, Bangladesh needs to focus on market diversification and brand promotion. The US regularly hosts retail events and textile fairs, which present an excellent opportunity for Bangladesh to showcase its products. By participating in these events, Bangladesh can create more visibility for the “Made in Bangladesh” brand, highlighting the country’s role as the second-largest RMG exporter globally.

Promoting Bangladesh’s progress in sustainable manufacturing and ethical sourcing practices could enhance the country’s image in the eyes of American consumers. Furthermore, expanding into high-value sectors such as sportswear, activewear, and eco-friendly clothing would allow Bangladesh to cater to the growing demand for specialized apparel products in the US market.

Strengthening sustainability and ethical practices

Sustainability and ethical sourcing have become key concerns for consumers and businesses worldwide, particularly in developed markets like the US. Bangladesh has made significant progress in improving worker safety, labor rights, and environmental standards in its RMG sector. However, with additional technical support from the US, Bangladesh can position itself as a global leader in ethical sourcing and sustainable apparel manufacturing.

Collaboration between Bangladesh and the US on sustainability initiatives could lead to enhanced certification and compliance with international standards, further improving the reputation of Bangladeshi products. Regular meetings with US trade officials could ensure that Bangladesh continues to make strides in areas such as labor rights, workers’ safety, and environmental compliance, which are crucial for maintaining strong trade relationships.

Conclusion

As the RMG sector is the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, and the US remains a vital market for its exports strengthening trade ties with the US through restored GSP, duty-free access, technical support, investment partnerships, and brand promotion could drive Bangladesh’s RMG industry to new heights.

Crisis of Zimbabwe in 2024: A Complex Web of Economic, Political and Environmental Challenges

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RMG Bangladesh
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The Apparel Digest Report Compilation

In 2024, Zimbabwe’s situation is worsening due to a complicated mix of factors, such as political instability, environmental disasters, social upheaval, and economic failure. The economy, political system, and infrastructure of the nation have all suffered significantly due to years of mismanagement and the ongoing changes occurring now. The introduction of a gold-backed currency, ongoing debt challenges, and political persecution following contentious elections have all played a role in exacerbating the nation’s difficulties. Severe droughts associated with climate change have harmed crops, intensifying the issue of food insecurity. This multifaceted crisis is affecting every sector of society, including the garment manufacturing industry, where labor unions are facing challenges in safeguarding workers’ rights amid significant unemployment and economic instability. In the subsequent discussion, we will explore the ways in which these variables impact the current crisis in Zimbabwe:

Economic Factors:

  • Decline in Currency Value: Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), originally intended as a gold-backed currency, has experienced a swift decline in value, resulting in significant inflation and steep price increases.
  • Debt Overhang: The substantial debt burden that Zimbabwe faces prevent the nation from investing in crucial sectors essential for its economic growth.
  • Liquidity crunch: Businesses are facing significant challenges in importing essential goods and services due to a considerable shortage of foreign currency.
  • The lack of job opportunities: Due to the fluctuating economy, many individuals are facing unemployment, especially in sectors like garment manufacturing.
  • Expensive Imports: The economy is currently facing pressure due to elevated import expenses, especially concerning fuel and food.

Political Factors:

  • Lack of Reforms: The absence of fundamental political reforms has hampered economic recovery and advancement.

  • Issues Related to Human Rights: The ongoing occurrences of repression and violence aimed at political opponents have fostered an environment that poses significant challenges for both businesses and workers.

The ongoing economic crisis has led to the closure of numerous garment companies. This has created significant difficulties for labour unions in their efforts to recruit new members and organize effectively. The reasons for this situation include the prevalence of the informal sector and the decline of industrial manufacturing, both of which are significant contributors to the approaching 90 percent unemployment rate. Unions like the National Union of the Clothing Industry (NUCI) have demonstrated impressive persistence in overcoming these challenges by focusing on enhancing labour relations and collective bargaining as a means of member retention.

The minimum wage for garment workers stands at $180 per day; however, to adequately meet living expenses, the union is pushing for rates that exceed $250 significantly. The National Union of Colored Workers (NUCI) remains committed to promoting regulations aimed at revitalizing the textile and apparel industry by fostering local procurement and enhancing job growth. Organizations like IndustriALL Global Union praise the unions for their commitment to supporting workers during this challenging time, while NUCI persists in its advocacy for these laws.

A multitude of factors, encompassing economic, political, social, and environmental aspects, are converging to create the crisis currently faced by Zimbabwe. The government and international organizations are actively working to identify solutions; however, the recovery process is expected to require some time. Conversely, signs of resilience are evident, especially within specific commercial sectors and labour unions, offering reasons for optimism about the future.

কেন ভারত থেকে তুলা ও সুতা আমদানি বাড়ছে

POST BY
RMG Bangladesh
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দেশের তৈরি পোশাক খাতের অত্যাবশ্যকীয় কাঁচামাল তুলা ও সুতা। তুলার জন্য বাংলাদেশের বরাবরই বিদেশনির্ভরতা থাকলেও স্পিনিং মিলগুলোর কল্যাণে স্থানীয় উৎপাদকরাই সুতার চাহিদার বড় অংশ সরবরাহ করছেন। তবে উৎপাদন খরচ বাড়ার পাশাপাশি গ্যাস সংকটে উৎপাদন ব্যাহত হওয়ার কারণে সাম্প্রতিক সময়ে ভারত থেকে সুতা আমদানি বেড়েছে। পাশাপাশি দেশটি থেকে তুলা আমদানিও উল্লেখযোগ্য হারে বেড়েছে।

ভারতের বাণিজ্য মন্ত্রণালয়ের তথ্যানুসারে, এ বছরের এপ্রিল থেকে আগস্ট পর্যন্ত সময়ে দেশটি থেকে বাংলাদেশে ১০৮ কোটি ৪৮ লাখ ডলারের তুলা রফতানি করা হয়েছে। যেখানে আগের বছরের একই সময়ে এর পরিমাণ ছিল ৭২ কোটি ৭১ লাখ ডলার। এ সময়ে বাংলাদেশে ভারতের তুলা রফতানি বেড়েছে ৪৯ দশমিক ২০ শতাংশ। একইভাবে ম্যান মেড স্ট্যাপল ফাইবার রফতানি বেড়েছে ২৮ দশমিক ৪৭ শতাংশ। এ বছরের এপ্রিল-আগস্ট সময়ে ভারত ৬ কোটি ২৪ লাখ ডলারের ম্যান মেড স্ট্যাপল ফাইবার রফতানি করেছে, যেখানে এর আগের বছরের একই সময়ে এর পরিমাণ ছিল ৪ কোটি ৮৬ লাখ ডলার। এছাড়া এ সময় ভারত থেকে বাংলাদেশের তৈরি পোশাক খাতের কাঁচামাল হিসেবে ট্যানিং বা ডায়িং এক্সট্রাক্টসের রফতানিও বেড়েছে ১৫ শতাংশ।

বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের তথ্য বলছে, এ বছরের জুলাই-আগস্ট সময়ে দেশে ২৮৩ কোটি ৫০ লাখ ডলারের তৈরি পোশাক খাত সম্পর্কিত পণ্য আমদানি হয়েছে। যেখানে আগের বছরের একই সময়ে এর পরিমাণ ছিল ২৫০ কোটি ৪২ লাখ ডলার। এর মধ্যে তুলায় ৬৪ কোটি ডলার, সুতায় ৫৫ কোটি, টেক্সটাইল পণ্যে ১২ কোটি ৬৮ লাখ, স্ট্যাপল ফাইবারে ২২ কোটি ৪৩ লাখ এবং ডায়িং ও ট্যানিং পণ্য আমদানিতে ১৫ কোটি ১৪ লাখ ডলার ব্যয় হয়েছে। আগের বছরের একই সময়ের তুলনায় প্রতিটি ক্যাটাগরির পণ্যেই আমদানি বেড়েছে।

এদিকে খাতসংশ্লিষ্টরা বলছেন, স্থানীয় স্পিনিং মিলগুলোর উৎপাদন কমে যাওয়ার পাশাপাশি ভারত থেকে তুলা ও সুতা আমদানির ক্ষেত্রে বেশকিছু সুবিধাও আছে। যেমন ভারত থেকে স্থলবন্দরের মাধ্যমে ট্রাক দিয়ে সহজে পণ্য পরিবহন করা যায়। তাছাড়া অন্যান্য দেশ থেকে পণ্য আমদানির ক্ষেত্রে যে পরিমাণ কার্যাদেশ দেয়া হয়, সেটি একবারেই আমদানি করতে হয়। কিন্তু নিকট প্রতিবেশী হওয়ায় ভারত থেকে কার্যাদেশ দেয়া পণ্য একবারে না এনে আংশিকভাবেও নিয়ে আসা যায়। এতে আমদানিকারকদের ওপর অর্থের চাপও কমে যায়

#Business_Mirror#cotton #yarn #import #india #indianproduct #businessmirror #mirrornews #newsupdate

বাংলাদেশ ভারতকে বাদ দিয়েছে, মালদ্বীপের মাধ্যমে বৈশ্বিক টেক্সটাইল রপ্তানি রুট করেছে

POST BY
RMG Bangladesh
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বিশ্বের দ্বিতীয় বৃহত্তম পোশাক উৎপাদনকারী বাংলাদেশ, ভারতকে বাইপাস করে মালদ্বীপের মাধ্যমে বিশ্ববাজারে তার টেক্সটাইল পাঠানোর সিদ্ধান্ত নিয়েছে, দ্বিপাক্ষিক সম্পর্কের টানাপোড়েনের মধ্যে ভারতের বিমানবন্দর ও বন্দরের কার্গো রাজস্বের সম্ভাবনাকে ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত করেছে।

ভারতীয় ব্যবসায়িক পত্রিকা, উন্নয়নের বিষয়ে সচেতন তিনজনের উদ্ধৃতি দিয়ে প্রতিবেদন করেছে যে বাংলাদেশ সমুদ্রপথে মালদ্বীপে তার টেক্সটাইল রপ্তানিকে পুনরায় রুট করছে এবং তারপরে এইচএন্ডএম এবং জারা সহ তার বৈশ্বিক গ্রাহকদের কাছে আকাশপথে কার্গো প্রেরণ করছে।

এমএসসি এজেন্সি (ইন্ডিয়া) প্রাইভেট লিমিটেডের ম্যানেজিং ডিরেক্টর দীপক তিওয়ারি ফোনে মিন্টকে বলেন, “আগে, বাংলাদেশী পণ্যগুলি ভারতীয় বিমানবন্দরের মাধ্যমে পাঠানো হত, কিন্তু এখন তারা অন্য স্থান থেকে শিপমেন্টের পথ পরিবর্তন করছে।”

“এই পরিবর্তনের অর্থ হল ভারতের বিমানবন্দর এবং বন্দরগুলি এই কার্গোগুলি পরিচালনা করার জন্য পূর্বে অর্জিত রাজস্ব হারাবে,” তিনি বলেছিলেন।

ভূমধ্যসাগরীয় শিপিং কোম্পানি (MSC) একটি শীর্ষস্থানীয় বিশ্বব্যাপী কন্টেইনার শিপিং কোম্পানি।

টেক্সটাইল রপ্তানির পুনর্নির্দেশ ভারত ও বাংলাদেশের মধ্যে বাণিজ্য সম্পর্ক দুর্বল করতে পারে এবং লজিস্টিক ও অবকাঠামো প্রকল্পে সহযোগিতামূলক সুযোগগুলি হ্রাস করতে পারে, সংবাদপত্রটি বলেছে।

এটি ভারতের সীমান্ত দিয়ে যাওয়া বাংলাদেশের রপ্তানি থেকে উৎপন্ন ব্যবসার পাশাপাশি বন্দর এবং ট্রানজিট ফি থেকে ভারতের রাজস্বকেও হুমকি দিতে পারে, এতে বলা হয়েছে।

একজন ব্যক্তি বলেন, এই ইস্যুটি নিয়ে ভারত সরকার বাংলাদেশের টেক্সটাইল রপ্তানি নিশ্চিত করার জন্য একটি ভারসাম্যপূর্ণ সমাধান খুঁজছে- যা আয়তনে উল্লেখযোগ্য এবং বাংলাদেশে ভারতীয় উৎপাদন কেন্দ্রগুলির সাথে যুক্ত- ভারতীয় স্বার্থের জন্য উপকারী থাকে।

“এই বাংলাদেশী টেক্সটাইল রপ্তানির একটি উল্লেখযোগ্য অংশ বাংলাদেশে অবস্থিত ভারতীয় কোম্পানিগুলির মালিকানাধীন বা পরিচালিত সুবিধা বা কারখানাগুলিতে উত্পাদিত হচ্ছে,” প্রথম ব্যক্তি বলেছিলেন।

বাংলাদেশের বস্ত্র শিল্প তার রপ্তানির ৮০ শতাংশ এবং জিডিপিতে ১৩ শতাংশ অবদান রাখে।

“বিষয়টি সরকারের নজরে রয়েছে। আমরা বর্তমানে ভারতে এর প্রভাব পর্যালোচনা করছি,” দ্বিতীয় ব্যক্তি বলেছিলেন।

শিল্প বিশেষজ্ঞরা পরামর্শ দিয়েছেন যে বাংলাদেশ তার সরবরাহ শৃঙ্খলে বৃহত্তর নিয়ন্ত্রণ পেতে এবং ভারতের বিমানবন্দরগুলিতে বিলম্ব এড়ানোর মাধ্যমে শিপমেন্টের সময়সীমা পূরণ করতে এই পদক্ষেপ নিয়েছে, মিন্ট বলেছে।

“এই নতুন রুটটি উন্নত নির্ভরযোগ্যতার সাথে বাংলাদেশকে একটি কৌশলগত সুবিধা প্রদান করে, যা আন্তর্জাতিক পোশাক বাজারে কঠোর সময়সীমা পূরণের জন্য অত্যন্ত গুরুত্বপূর্ণ,” বলেছেন ভারতের মাল্টিমোডাল ট্রান্সপোর্ট অপারেটর সমিতির সভাপতি অরুণ কুমার৷

“এছাড়াও, ভারতীয় বন্দরগুলির উপর নির্ভরতা এড়ানোর মাধ্যমে, বাংলাদেশ তার সরবরাহ শৃঙ্খলের উপর বৃহত্তর নিয়ন্ত্রণ নিশ্চিত করছে,” ভারতে সমুদ্র, রেল এবং সড়ক নেটওয়ার্ক জুড়ে নিরবচ্ছিন্ন, দক্ষ পরিবহন সমাধানের পরামর্শদাতা সংস্থার প্রধান বলেছেন।

কুমার ব্যাখ্যা করেছিলেন যে টেক্সটাইলগুলিকেও পচনশীল পণ্য হিসাবে বিবেচনা করা হয়েছিল এবং সময়মতো সেগুলি সরবরাহ করতে ব্যর্থতার ফলে চালান প্রত্যাখ্যান করা হয়। একটি নির্দিষ্ট ঋতুর জন্য গার্মেন্টস দেরিতে ডেলিভারি হলে তাদের মূল্য হারায়।

ভারতীয় টেক্সটাইল রপ্তানিকারকদের বাংলাদেশের রপ্তানি পুনঃরুটিং সম্পর্কে ভিন্ন দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি ছিল।

অ্যাপারেল এক্সপোর্ট প্রমোশন কাউন্সিলের ইস্টার্ন রিজিয়নের নির্বাহী সদস্য অনিল বুচাসিয়া ফোনে মিন্টকে বলেন, “এতে পড়ার কিছু নেই।”

তিনি বলেন, “ভারতীয় বিমানবন্দরগুলি ইতিমধ্যেই যানজটে রয়েছে এবং আমরা বাংলাদেশী টেক্সটাইলগুলিকে ভারতীয় বিমানবন্দরগুলির মধ্য দিয়ে যাওয়া নিষিদ্ধ করার জন্য সরকারকে অনুরোধ করেছি।”

ঘটনাবলীর বিষয়ে অবগত তৃতীয় ব্যক্তি পরামর্শকে প্রত্যাখ্যান করেছেন যে এই পদক্ষেপটি আগস্টে বাংলাদেশের সাবেক প্রধানমন্ত্রী শেখ হাসিনাকে ক্ষমতাচ্যুত করার সাথে যুক্ত ছিল, যিনি বর্তমানে ভারতে অবস্থান করছেন বলে জানা গেছে।

গত অক্টোবরে আন্তর্জাতিক অপরাধ ট্রাইব্যুনাল (বাংলাদেশ) তার বিরুদ্ধে গ্রেফতারি পরোয়ানা জারি করে।

“শেখ হাসিনার আশ্রয়ের প্রতিক্রিয়া হিসেবে সরকার এটাকে দেখছে না। টেক্সটাইল বাংলাদেশের অর্থনীতির মেরুদণ্ড, তাই তারা অবশ্যই তাদের টেক্সটাইল রপ্তানি বাড়াতে এই সিদ্ধান্ত নিয়েছে,” তৃতীয় ব্যক্তি বলেন।

বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের মতে, FY24-এ বাংলাদেশের পোশাক রপ্তানি 4.34 শতাংশ কমে $44.47 বিলিয়ন হয়েছে।

বৃহত্তর অর্থনৈতিক চ্যালেঞ্জ প্রতিফলিত করে তৈরি পোশাকের চালান কমে যাওয়ায় এই পতনের জন্য দায়ী করা হয়েছে।

RMG workers strike in Savar, Gazipur over wage and benefit demands

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RMG Bangladesh
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Workers from five ready-made garment (RMG) factories in Savar and Gazipur went on strike today, demanding annual pay raises, increased bonuses, and allowances.

Three factories in Savar and two in Gazipur witnessed demonstrations that disrupted production, pushing management towards negotiations.

In Gazipur’s Konabari area, workers of Islam Group and Tusuka Group, owned respectively by former DNCC mayor Atiqul Islam and former AL lawmaker Fayzur Rahman Badal, staged peaceful protests starting at 8am.

The workers of Islam Group listed 21 demands, including the dismissal of specific managers and Human Resources staff, a 5% annual pay hike, Tk1,000 attendance bonuses, and other allowances.

Tusuka Group workers presented 16 demands, including a 10% annual pay hike, attendance bonuses, maternity leave, and certain religious holidays.

Security forces, including the Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh, Rapid Action Battalion, and police, were deployed to monitor the protest.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Dipak Chandra Majumder of Gazipur Industrial Police-2 later confirmed that Islam Group management agreed to the workers’ demands by midday, and most workers left the scene.

However, Tusuka Group’s management continued negotiations with its employees to resolve their grievances.

Meanwhile, in Savar’s Hemayetpur area, workers from Neo Fashion Limited of Vertex Group, Standard Group’s The Civil Engineers Oven Ltd and The Civil Engineers Wash Ltd, launched protests over various demands.

Neo Fashion Limited workers presented a 26-point demand, which included compensation for a female worker who was injured on-site on Thursday evening.

Workers claimed that the injured employee was not given prompt medical attention, leading to the demands for better safety and compensation.

Neo Fashion management initially declared a holiday today to calm the protests and later agreed to 18 out of 26 demands after negotiations.

Additionally, workers at Standard Group’s factories in Hemayetpur demanded the dismissal of specific personnel.

The management had previously agreed to dismiss certain employees following earlier protests but had not yet announced these decisions directly from top-level leadership, leading to renewed unrest among workers.

In October, Standard Group management had temporarily closed the factory under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Law amid ongoing protests but reopened it after a reconciliation meeting on 31 October, agreeing to most demands.

Despite prior settlements on issues such as night-shift allowances, attendance bonuses, and cashing out unused leave, the recent demonstrations reflect ongoing tensions and unmet expectations among RMG workers.

As of the latest update, workers had vacated the premises in both Savar and Gazipur, with regular work anticipated to resume soon in most factories.

The owners were unavailable for comment and they have not issued any statements.

Sustainable Waterproofing from Discarded Textiles

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RMG Bangladesh
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The Apparel Digest Report

An environmentally friendly method to produce waterproof coatings from waste textiles has been developed by a research team at Cornell University. Juan Hinestroza, who is the Rebecca Q. Morgan ’60 Professor of Fiber Science and Apparel Design in the College of Human Ecology, spearheaded the development of this method. This technology addresses two significant challenges that the garment industry faces: reducing the amount of waste produced by textiles and minimizing the use of potentially harmful chemicals in the treatment of fabrics.

The fashion industry faces a significant challenge in the form of textile waste, as the average amount of clothing that is discarded by everyone in the United States is between 80 and 100 pounds. Through the process of repurposing old garments into useful materials, the team at Hinestroza works toward the goal of reducing waste and preventing clothing from being cast into landfills. By utilizing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that are produced from waste polyester and spandex, this method facilitates the transformation of these materials into superhydrophobic (water-repellent) coatings without the utilization of any potentially hazardous chemicals.

As a result of their durability, fluorinated finishes are extensively used in today’s waterproof coatings. These finishes are harmful to both human health and the environment. The solution developed by the Cornell researchers, on the other hand, offers a more secure alternative by upcycling waste textiles, hence decreasing the requirement for “forever chemicals.” The newly created coating is also capable of retaining its water-resistant features even after being washed and worn several times, which ensures that the products that have been coated are both long-lasting and functional.

The clothing industry is going to be forever changed as a result of this innovation. There is now the ability for brands and manufacturers to adopt waterproofing technologies that are beneficial to the environment without compromising functionality. There is a growing demand among consumers for environmentally responsible fashion, which is correlated with the possibility of using recycled materials for high-performance finishes in a variety of products, including footwear, outdoor gear, and everyday clothing.

The transition to circular fashion, in which materials that have been discarded are reintroduced into the production cycle, is also encouraged by this method so that it can be implemented. For a long time, the fashion industry has been condemned for its “take-make-dispose” paradigm, which is seen to be wasteful. The work of Hinestroza demonstrates how upcycling may give a sustainable alternative, thereby lowering the environmental impact that the business has. This innovation provides a path forward by striking a balance between durability, performance, and environmental responsibility. This is particularly important because the garment sector is coming under growing pressure to embrace sustainable methods.






তৈরি পোশাকের মূল্য সংযোজনেও গরমিল

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RMG Bangladesh
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তৈরি পোশাকের মূল্য সংযোজনেও গরমিল

পণ্য রপ্তানির তথ্যে গরমিলের বিষয়টি সামনে আসার আগে বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক বলেছিল, গত ২০২৩–২৪ অর্থবছরের তৃতীয় প্রান্তিক জানুয়ারি-মার্চে ১ হাজার ৩৮১ কোটি মার্কিন ডলারের তৈরি পোশাক রপ্তানি হয়েছে। তার বিপরীতে কাঁচামাল আমদানি হয়েছিল ৩৮৪ কোটি ডলারের। তখন প্রকৃত পোশাক রপ্তানি হয়েছিল ৯৯৭ কোটি ডলার বা ৭২ দশমিক ২০ শতাংশ।

অবশ্য পণ্য রপ্তানির তথ্য সংশোধনের পর উঠে এসেছে, ওই প্রান্তিকে (তৃতীয়) তৈরি পোশাকের প্রকৃত রপ্তানি কমে ৫৭ শতাংশে দাঁড়িয়েছে। কাঁচামাল আমদানির তথ্য ঠিক থাকলেও পণ্য রপ্তানি কমে যাওয়ার কারণে পোশাক খাতে প্রকৃত রপ্তানি কমেছে ৪০৮ কোটি ডলার।

তৈরি পোশাক খাত নিয়ে বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের সর্বশেষ দুটি ত্রৈমাসিক প্রতিবেদন বিশ্লেষণে প্রকৃত পোশাক রপ্তানিতে গরমিলের তথ্য বেরিয়ে এসেছে। এতে দেখা যায়, রপ্তানির তথ্য সংশোধন করায় গত দুই অর্থবছরের (২০২২-২৩ ও ২০২৩-২৪) সাত প্রান্তিকে তৈরি পোশাক খাতের প্রকৃত রপ্তানি কমেছে। মূলত পোশাক রপ্তানি থেকে তুলা, সুতা, কাপড় ও সরঞ্জামের আমদানি ব্যয় বাদ দিয়ে নিট বা প্রকৃত রপ্তানির হিসাব করে কেন্দ্রীয় ব্যাংক। অনেকে প্রকৃত রপ্তানি আয়কে পোশাক খাতের মূল্য সংযোজন হিসেবেও অভিহিত করে থাকেন।

রপ্তানি আয় বাড়িয়ে দেখানোর কারণে গত ২০২২-২৩ অর্থবছরের দ্বিতীয় প্রান্তিকে (অক্টোবর–ডিসেম্বর) তৈরি পোশাক রপ্তানিতে মূল্য সংযোজন এক লাফে ৫১ শতাংশ থেকে বেড়ে ৬৭ শতাংশ ছাড়িয়ে যায়। তার পরের পাঁচ প্রান্তিকে মূল্য সংযোজন ৭০ থেকে ৭২ শতাংশের মধ্যে ঘুরপাক খায়। তখন পোশাকশিল্পের অনেক উদ্যোক্তা বিষয়টি নিয়ে সন্দেহ প্রকাশ করেন। কারণ, তার আগের ছয় প্রান্তিকে পোশাক রপ্তানিতে মূল্য সংযোজন বেশির ভাগ সময়ই ছিল ৫১ থেকে ৫৭ শতাংশ।

কেন্দ্রীয় ব্যাংকের তথ্যানুযায়ী, ২০২৩-২৪ অর্থবছরের চতুর্থ প্রান্তিক এপ্রিল-জুনে ৮৮৪ কোটি ডলারের পোশাক রপ্তানি হয়েছিল। ওই প্রান্তিকে কাঁচামাল আমদানির পরিমাণ ছিল ৩৮০ কোটি ডলার। তার মানে সর্বশেষ অর্থবছরের চতুর্থ প্রান্তিকে পোশাক রপ্তানিতে মূল্য সংযোজন ছিল ৫০৪ কোটি ডলার বা ৫৭ শতাংশ।

সামনের দিনগুলোতে মূল্য সংযোজন কমবে বলে আমাদের আশঙ্কা। তার কারণ, প্রণোদনা হ্রাস করার পর অনেকে সুতা আমদানিতে মনোযোগী হচ্ছেন। কারণ, প্রতি কেজি বিদেশি সুতা ব্যবহারে ২০-৩০ সেন্ট কম লাগছে। তা ছাড়া গ্যাস–সংকটের কারণেও অনেক উদ্যোক্তা সুতা ও কাপড় আমদানিতে মনোযোগী হচ্ছেন।

—মোহাম্মদ হাতেম, সভাপতি, বিকেএমইএ।

বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক গত জুলাইয়ে হঠাৎ প্রকৃত পণ্য রপ্তানির ভিত্তিতে লেনদেনে ভারসাম্যের তথ্য প্রকাশ করে। এর ফলে পণ্য রপ্তানির হিসাবে বড় গরমিলের তথ্য উঠে আসে। তখন বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক বলেছিল, রপ্তানি উন্নয়ন ব্যুরো (ইপিবি) দীর্ঘদিন ধরে রপ্তানির হিসাব প্রকাশ করলেও সে অনুযায়ী আয় দেশে আসছে না। পরীক্ষা-নিরীক্ষা করে দেখা যাচ্ছে, এত পণ্য রপ্তানি হয়নি। তাই আয় বেশি আসার যৌক্তিকতা নেই। সে জন্য প্রকৃত তথ্যের ওপর ভিত্তি করে প্রতিবেদন তৈরি করার সিদ্ধান্ত নেয় বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক।

তারপর টানা তিন মাস পণ্য রপ্তানির হিসাব প্রকাশ করা বন্ধ রাখে ইপিবি। যাচাই-বাছাই শেষে চলতি মাসে আবার সংস্থাটি রপ্তানির তথ্য প্রকাশ করতে শুরু করেছে। রপ্তানির তথ্যে গরমিলের বিষয়টি সামনে আসার আগে ইপিবি জানিয়েছিল, গত অর্থবছরের প্রথম ১১ মাসে (জুলাই-মে) পণ্য রপ্তানি হয়েছিল ৫ হাজার ১৫৪ কোটি ডলার। তবে চলতি অক্টোবর মাসে সংস্থাটি জানায়, গত অর্থবছরে পণ্য রপ্তানি হয়েছে ৪ হাজার ৪৪৭ কোটি ডলারের। তার মানে গত অর্থবছরের প্রথম ১১ মাসেই ৭০৭ কোটি ডলারের রপ্তানি বেশি দেখিয়েছিল ইপিবি। একইভাবে পোশাক রপ্তানির হিসাবও বেশি দেখানো হয়েছিল।

বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের প্রতিবেদন অনুযায়ী, ২০২৩-২৪ অর্থবছরে মোট ৩ হাজার ৬১৩ কোটি ডলারের পোশাক রপ্তানি হয়। এই রপ্তানি তার আগের অর্থবছরের তুলনায় ৫ দশমিক ৮৯ শতাংশ কম। আলোচ্য অর্থবছরে বাংলাদেশ থেকে বরাবরের মতো যুক্তরাষ্ট্রেই সর্বোচ্চ ৬৬২ কোটি ডলারের পোশাক রপ্তানি হয়। এ ছাড়া জার্মানিতে ৪৫২ কোটি, যুক্তরাজ্যে ৪২০ কোটি, স্পেনে ৩৩৮ কোটি ও ফ্রান্সে ২০২ কোটি ডলারের পোশাক রপ্তানি হয়।

জানতে চাইলে নিট পোশাকশিল্পের মালিকদের সংগঠন বিকেএমইএর সভাপতি মোহাম্মদ হাতেম প্রথম আলোকে বলেন, ‘বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক বর্তমানে প্রকৃত পোশাক রপ্তানির যে তথ্য দিচ্ছে, সেটি বিশ্বাসযোগ্য। যদিও সামনের দিনগুলোতে মূল্য সংযোজন কমবে বলে আমাদের আশঙ্কা। তার কারণ প্রণোদনা হ্রাস করার পর অনেকে সুতা আমদানিতে মনোযোগী হচ্ছেন। কারণ, প্রতি কেজি বিদেশি সুতা ব্যবহারে ২০-৩০ সেন্ট কম লাগছে। তা ছাড়া গ্যাস–সংকটের কারণেও অনেক উদ্যোক্তা সুতা ও কাপড় আমদানিতে মনোযোগী হচ্ছেন।’ এসব সমস্যার বিকল্প সমাধান না থাকলে মূল্য সংযোজন আরও কমবে বলে মন্তব্য করেন তিনি।

China’s Economic Developments in 2024: A Comprehensive Overview of Trade, Manufacturing, and Policy Shifts

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RMG Bangladesh
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The Apparel Digest Report


China’s capacity to adapt to shifting local and global markets was demonstrated by the significant shifts that occurred in the country’s trade, manufacturing, and investment sectors in the year 2024. An in-depth analysis of significant events that have had an impact on China’s economy is presented in the following paragraphs, with particular attention paid to the expansion of China’s trade with other countries, changes in tariffs, trends in manufacturing, and investment reforms.


In the period beginning in January 2024 and ending in August 2024, China’s foreign commerce in products had a modest growth of 3.7% year on year. China’s tenacity in the face of global economic problems is demonstrated by the country’s rate of growth, which is 4.27 trillion dollars. The total value of exports rose by 1.1% to $2.31 trillion, while the value of imports rose by 6.1% to $1.96 trillion. The facts presented here shed light on China’s active participation in international commerce, which has enabled the country to preserve its position as the market leader in spite of ongoing hurdles such as geopolitical worries and disruptions in supply chain operations.


Even while the statistics on trade was favorable, there were indications that the industrial sector in China was under pressure. Over the course of August 2024, the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) had a little decline, falling from 49.4 in July to 49.1 in August. As a result of this decline, it appears that the industry will continue to decrease, as a PMI that is below 50 implies that activity is decreasing. The slump was caused by a number of factors, including a decrease in demand and the uncertainty of the global economy. These factors had an effect on the levels of output and exports in essential industries.
Nevertheless, by the middle of the third quarter of 2024, conditions in China’s manufacturing sector started to recover, which reversed the earlier decline in the PMI. The sluggish progress is a reflection of the efforts that Chinese companies have been making to stabilize their operations. These efforts have been aided by initiatives taken by the government that are aimed at growing domestic demand and improving industrial efficiency. This improvement does not change the fact that challenges such as fluctuating pricing of raw materials and unanticipated demand from outside continue to exist.

Concurrently, the logistics industry in China saw growth in August 2024, which was driven by increased demand. The logistics industry, which is an essential aspect of the architecture of the nation’s supply chain, has been significantly contributing to the maintenance of the overall economy, particularly in light of the fact that the demand for e-commerce and consumer products continues to be a significant factor. This growth in logistics is indicative of a rebound in domestic transportation and warehousing operations, both of which are essential for guaranteeing the consistent flow of goods both inside China and beyond its borders.

A significant shift in China’s policy was announced in September 2024, when the country announced that it would no longer impose limits on foreign investment in its manufacturing sector. This action is a component of a more comprehensive plan to further open its economy to international activity, with the goal of attracting money and expertise from businesses which are located in other countries. It is anticipated that the relaxation of these constraints will stimulate innovation and bring about an increase in the global competitiveness of Chinese manufacturers, hence stimulating increased collaboration between local and international entrepreneurs.

On the diplomatic front, China also introduced a policy of zero-tariff treatment in September 2024 for 98% of taxable commodities coming from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with whom it maintains diplomatic links. This particular policy was implemented in September 2024. China’s commitment to promote global economic inclusion is shown by this project, which aims to expand economic links with poor nations and emphasizes China’s economic inclusion efforts. As a result of China’s efforts to reduce trade barriers, less developed countries (LDCs) are gaining more access to China’s enormous market, which is creating reciprocal advantages through improved trade relations.


A dynamic combination of trade expansion, industrial issues, and regulatory changes is reflected in China’s economic patterns in the year 2024. While the manufacturing sector continues to meet obstacles, the overall increase in foreign trade and logistics, coupled with the loosening of investment restrictions and the zero-tariff policy, indicate China’s resilience in navigating both local and global economic landscapes. These initiatives are aimed at bolstering China’s economic resilience and ensuring that it continues to maintain its position as the leader in the global market.

Unrest and rumors won’t derail Bangladesh’s growing garment industry

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RMG Bangladesh
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In recent months, there has been a surge in rumors, misinformation, and negative campaigns aimed at Bangladesh’s ready-made garments (RMG) and textile industries. Competing countries have seized on isolated incidents of labor unrest to create a distorted image of the sector. This could potentially amplify unrest among Bangladeshi workers and affect the country’s position in the global garment market. However, these narratives overlook the significant progress the industry has achieved over the years in areas such as compliance, ethical standards, and worker welfare.

Unrest and rumors won't derail Bangladesh’s growing garment industry
Figure: Unrest and rumors won’t derail Bangladesh’s growing garment industry.

In recent months, there has been a surge in rumors, misinformation, and negative campaigns aimed at Bangladesh’s ready-made garments (RMG) and textile industries. Competing countries have seized on isolated incidents of labor unrest to create a distorted image of the sector. This could potentially amplify unrest among Bangladeshi workers and affect the country’s position in the global garment market. However, these narratives overlook the significant progress the industry has achieved over the years in areas such as compliance, ethical standards, and worker welfare.

Who is benefiting from the instability of the garment industry in Bangladesh?

The recent unrest in Bangladesh’s garment industry has received extensive coverage in the domestic media as well as in the global media, especially in Bangladesh’s competing neighboring countries. After the fall of the previous government, labor unrest and protests broke out in the Savar-Ashulia region over some of the workers’ demands. Incidents like vandalism of factories, car vandalism with fire connections and road blockades took place. Garment factories in the Ashulia-Savar region remain closed for some time. But the continued labor unrest despite the acceptance of all the 18-point demands of the workers points to something else. Certainly, neither owners nor the workers and as a whole people of Bangladesh, ultimately benefited from this labor unrest, however, several demands of the workers are going to be met.

In recent times, reports related to the fact that India is going to benefit the most as a result of the instability of the garment sector in Bangladesh have been published in well-known media such as ‘The Business Standard’, ‘Times of India’, ‘Economic Times’ and ‘The Indian Express’. ‘Bangladesh’s Loss May Become India’s Gain’, a report published recently by Indian media on the instability of Bangladesh’s garment industry begins with this line. Mahua Venkatesh, the author of the report published in India’s trade media ‘The Secretariat’, mainly highlights the recent unrest in Bangladesh’s garment factories and how India can take advantage of this unrest.

Recently, a garment manufacturing company in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, India, received a $54 million new garment production order. As the reason for this, they said, this work order came to them because of the instability of the garment industry sector in Bangladesh. India’s garment exports increased by 11.9 percent to $1.26 billion in August this year compared to August last year. India is now on its way to achieving high potential growth in the readymade garment sector. If those concerned in the garment sector of Bangladesh cannot reduce the volatility of this industry, there is a possibility that the garment industry will be handed over to India in the near future.

A bright future ahead

Bangladesh’s RMG and textile sector stands resilient in the face of propaganda and misinformation. It continues to be a global leader in ethical production, sustainability, and worker welfare. As buyers from around the world reaffirm their commitment to sourcing from Bangladesh, it is clear that the industry’s positive trajectory is unstoppable.

For foreign buyers seeking quality, compliance, and competitive pricing, Bangladesh remains one of the most reliable and forward-thinking apparel production hubs in the world. With continued investment in green factories, ethical practices, and worker empowerment, the country’s RMG industry is well-positioned to thrive in the years to come.

Commitment to ethical labor practices

The Bangladesh RMG industry is renowned for its dedication to improving working conditions. Over the last decade, there has been an industry-wide commitment to worker safety and welfare, driven by both government regulations and international buyer requirements. Many factories now hold internationally recognized certifications such as WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production), OEKO-TEX, and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). These certifications ensure that factories operate under strict labor, environmental, and safety standards.

One standout example is the Accord on Fire and Building Safety, initiated after the 2013 Rana Plaza incident. This legally binding agreement between global brands and trade unions has led to the inspection of over 2,000 factories and the remediation of critical safety issues. Today, Bangladesh boasts some of the safest factories in the world, with more than 500 LEED-certified facilities, making it a leader in green garment production.

Foreign buyers’ confidence in Bangladesh

Contrary to the negative propaganda, foreign buyers have consistently expressed their confidence in Bangladesh’s RMG sector. Brands like H&M, Zara, and Kmart Australia continue to source a significant portion of their apparel from Bangladesh, citing the country’s dedication to quality, compliance, and sustainable practices.

Kmart Australia, for example, recently acknowledged the strong partnership it has maintained with Bangladeshi manufacturers. A representative from their sourcing team stated, “Bangladesh has become a strategic partner in our global supply chain. The factories we work with are fully compliant with international labor standards and are deeply committed to improving worker welfare. The level of transparency and dedication to ethical production we see here is unmatched in many parts of the world.”

Similarly, the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) has praised Bangladesh’s garment industry for its commitment to fair wages and safe working conditions. Buyers from Europe and North America frequently note the country’s ability to maintain high standards of production while adhering to strict timelines, even in the face of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Worker welfare and training initiatives

Bangladesh’s garment sector has also invested heavily in training and upskilling its workforce. Numerous programs have been launched in collaboration with international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and brands themselves. These initiatives focus on empowering workers through education, providing health benefits, and offering opportunities for career advancement.

Factories are increasingly adopting worker-centric programs such as health and safety training, grievance mechanisms, and leadership training for women, who make up the majority of the workforce in the industry. Brands like H&M have initiated programs specifically aimed at empowering female workers, providing them with skills and leadership opportunities within the workplace.

The role of the media and propaganda

While it is true that no industry is without challenges, the recent attempts to vilify Bangladesh’s RMG sector are largely unfounded. Competitor countries may seek to gain an edge in the global market by casting doubt on Bangladesh’s achievements, but the facts speak for themselves. Daily newspapers such as The Daily Star and New Age have extensively reported on the sector’s positive developments, highlighting the efforts of industry leaders to maintain compliance and promote sustainability.

Furthermore, global trade publications have also praised Bangladesh for its resilient and adaptable garment industry. A recent article in Apparel Resources highlighted how Bangladeshi factories have swiftly adapted to rising demands for eco-friendly and sustainable production processes, making the country a preferred sourcing destination for environmentally conscious buyers.

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Ready Made Garments sector is the key source of foreign currency and GDP for Bangladesh. Approximately 4.2 million people are dependent on the RMG sector for their bread and butter.
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