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 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.
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.
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.
The Canadian fashion and apparel industry has steadily emerged as a vibrant and influential sector on the global stage, combining innovation, sustainability, and cultural diversity. As of 2023, the industry is estimated to have generated a revenue of US$17.85bn, and revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate of 12.47% until 2027, resulting in a projected market volume of US$28.56 billion. Despite being often overshadowed by traditional fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, and New York, Canada’s unique blend of creativity and conscientiousness has allowed it to carve out a distinct identity in the global fashion scene.
From luxury outerwear tailored to the country’s cold climate to cutting-edge sustainable fashion practices, Canadian designers and brands have built a reputation for combining practicality with high-end design. These various kinds of clothes have often been influenced by the predominant upper-class fashions of western Europe, notably United Kingdom and France, as well as the geographical realities of living in Canada. One of the most defining characteristics of Canadian fashion is its emphasis on sustainability and ethical production. As the global demand for environmentally conscious fashion grows, Canadian designers have been at the forefront of this movement, incorporating eco-friendly materials, promoting slow fashion, and ensuring fair labor practices. Many Canadian brands prioritize sustainability as a core value, reflecting the country’s growing awareness of environmental issues. This emphasis has helped Canadian fashion stand out on the international stage and has also attracted a global consumer base that values ethical fashion choices.
The Canadian fashion industry is also defined by its top-tier apparel brands, which have gained international recognition for their craftsmanship and unique aesthetic. There are many brands, successfully operating in Canada, few of them are being discussed here.
Lululemon has transformed from a local Vancouver yoga brand into a worldwide activewear giant, recognized for its stylish, performance-driven clothing. From gropcore to outdoor to luxury fashion, this list of the best Canadian brands couldn’t be complete without including one of the giants of the industry – Lululemon athletica inc. Korean company, Youngone’s factories have been producing large quantity Lululemon garments in Bangladesh. The multinational athletic apparel retailer headquartered in British Columbia was founded in 1998 as a retailer of yoga pants and other yoga wear, but it has quickly expanded to also sell athletic wear, lifestyle apparel, accessories, and personal care products, and cementing itself as one of the best athleisure brands in the world.
Canada Goose, a global leader in luxury outerwear, is known for its high-performance jackets that blend functionality with style. This brand perfectly presents Canada’s stereotypically rugged and cold climate. In fact, Canada Goose does equip arctic explorers in insanely cold temperatures, nevertheless this Canadian brand has been gaining footholds in in lifestyle markets all over North America and Europe.
Aritzia offers a mix of sophisticated, contemporary women’s fashion and has found considerable success in both Canada and the United States, catering to a younger, fashion-forward demographic. When it comes to the best Canadian brands for women, Aritzia tops the list as the go-to destination for women looking to elevate their wardrobe. The Vancouver-based fashion retailer offers a curated collection of must-have clothing, accessories, and outerwear that mix classic and contemporary styles. With a focus on empowering women and creating a sense of community, Aritzia is all about helping users look and feel your best.
Offshoot of outdoor gear brand Arc’teryx, the Veilance line is a vision of minimalistic technical apparel. Utilitarian strands run throughout the line, which blends aspects of a performance brand with highly articulated fits, culminating in superior specimens of function. The range of apparel is branded in North Vancouver and in many ways the city’s rainy and mountainous climate is the ideal inspiration, and therefore for the perfect birthplace for Arc’teryx Veilance. This brand also presents Made in Bangladesh garments.
Luxury outerwear brand Sentaler has also made its mark, particularly in the high-fashion market, with elegant designs worn by international celebrities like Prince Harry’s wife Meghan Markle and Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.
Vegan accessories brand Matt and Nat began in 1995, when its founders became inspired by the MAT(T)erial and NATure they were surrounded by in stunning Montreal. Matt & Nat is renowned for its vegan leather accessories, exemplifying Canada’s dedication to sustainable and cruelty-free fashion.
Roots is a very familiar Canadian brand that has a special position in the apparel industry. The brand with the beaver has been epitomizing Canadian cozywear for decades. Roots Corporation is a publicly held Canadian brand that sells apparel, leather bags, small leather goods, footwear, athletic wear, and home furnishings. The company was founded in 1973 in Toronto, Ontario. In 2015, Roots was sold to Searchlight Capital Partners LP, an American investment firm. The company’s design centre and leather factory are in Toronto, Ontario. Roots reportedly has approximately 2,000 employees in Canada. Roots factories exist globally including in Bangladesh.
The early days of Hudson’s Bay Company were astonishingly in 1670, when it received an official co-sign from the British magistrate to be established as “The Governor and Company of Adventurers of England trading into Hudson’s Bay.” HBC initially existed as a series of fur trading outposts and has since evolved into a chain of iconic department stores. Founded on 2 May 1670, the Hudson’s Bay Company opened its first department store in 1881 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. HBC’s iconic colored stripes have been used most famously across wool blankets and also a coveted Converse collaboration. It is the flagship brand of the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), the oldest and longest-surviving company in North America as well as one of the oldest and largest continuously operating companies in the world.
Speaking as a fashion-loving Canadian, there is almost nothing better than stylish, well-made outerwear—and that’s exactly what Séda specializes in. Using premium materials from Italy, the new brand blends modern and classic designs in their line of heirloom-worthy coats and jackets.
Lav & Kush Lifestyle is another awesome clothing brand in Canada that makes women’s loungewear and dresses, sweaters, tops and more. We love that they’re committed to ethical practices and use sustainable materials to make all of their clothing. This Vancouver clothing store is renowned for luxurious loungewear.
There are many other brands operating out of Canada. These brands have played a critical role in elevating the Canadian fashion industry’s profile on the world stage, positioning it as a source of innovation and responsible production.
In conclusion, the Canadian fashion industry is a growing powerhouse defined by its commitment to sustainability, cultural diversity, and high-quality design. With leading brands making waves internationally and a growing export market, Canadian fashion is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the global fashion landscape.
Ridan Mahbub, The Apparel Digest’s Representative for North America, is an ILOT (International Leader of Tomorrow) scholarship receiver and pursuing a Bachelor of International Economics at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.
Human civilization relies on textiles for fashion, industry, and culture. Dyeing fabrics gives them brilliant hues, which is intriguing. Dyeing textiles is an integral part of textile manufacture and has been practiced for thousands of years throughout cultures. Dye history, processes, and effects in textiles and other industries will be examined in this article.
Egyptian, Chinese, and Indian civilizations practiced textile dyeing since 2600 BCE. These cultures dyed their garments with plant, mineral, and insect dyes. Ancient Egypt and India revered indigo for its vivid blue colour, which symbolized monarchy and prosperity. The Aztecs utilized cochineal, a crimson insect dye, and colonial Europe valued it.
Colour in textiles has always expressed significance. Purple from the murex snail was reserved for emperors and high-ranking officials in ancient Rome. From wedding dresses to ceremonial robes, traditional Indian textile hues symbolized culture and religion.
Textile colour became more accessible as dying technology improved. Synthetic dyes revolutionized the textile business in the 19th century. Synthetic dyes increased colour variety, production speed, and colour fastness, making colourful textiles more affordable and accessible.
Natural dyes come from plants, animals, and minerals. Once the main way to colour textiles, these dyes are now largely employed in niche industries like organic and eco-friendly fashion due to their narrow colour range, lower colour fastness, and greater production costs.
Planted dyes come from leaves, roots, fruits, and flowers. Turmeric dyes yellow, while madder root dyes red. – Animal-based dyes: Insect-derived cochineal and mollusk-derived Tyrian purple are examples. Mineral-based dyes: Some ancient cultures dyed textiles with minerals. Reddish tones were typically achieved with ochre, an iron oxide.
Traditional crafts, artisanal manufacture, and environmentally concerned consumers who want non-toxic materials still prefer natural dyes. In 1856, William Henry Perkin discovered synthetic dyes, which are now standard in textile production. Perkin’s discovery of mauveine, the first synthetic dye, revolutionized dyeing by allowing brilliant, long-lasting colours at a fraction of the expense of natural dyes.
Acid dyes are used for wool and silk. Their brilliant hues are less effective on plant-based textiles. Reactive dyes work well on cellulose-based textiles like cotton and linen. These dyes chemically link with fabric for colour fastness and durability. Direct dyes are water-soluble dyes that perform well with cellulose fibres and can be applied directly to fabric without a mordant. Disperse dyes, used for polyester, are insoluble in water and require heat or pressure to cling to cloth.
Synthetic dyes allow for a wide range of colours, tints, and effects, enabling fashion and textile design breakthroughs. Synthetic dyes pollute water and produce chemical waste, which has raised interest in sustainable dyeing.
This procedure totally submerges fabric in a dye bath to evenly dye the fibres. Controlling dye bath temperature, time, and agitation produces diverse effects. Industrial textile production uses immersion dyeing.
Tie-dye resist-dying involves tying or binding fabric before dyeing. Due to dye resistance, knotted sections provide dramatic colour contrasts. The 1960s counterculture popularized this method, which has ancient Indian and Japanese textile roots.
Another resist-dyeing method is batik, which uses wax in elaborate patterns. Beautiful, complex designs come from waxed areas resisting dye. Indonesians employ batik to make magnificent ceremonial robes.
Modern textile manufacture uses printing to add dyes in patterns. Screen printing uses a mesh screen to apply dye in regulated areas, while digital printing prints high-resolution, full-colour images directly onto cloth.
Colour shapes fashion trends, consumer behaviour, and the worldwide textile market. Designers employ colour to express mood, creativity, and trends, while buyers choose clothes depending on their personal style or cultural importance. Colour forecasters like Pantone predict fashion’s biggest colour trends each year. These forecasts affect haute couture, mass-market clothes, home textiles, and interior design. Colour in textiles is utilitarian as well as fashionable. Some medical fabrics are color-coded for hygiene, while high-visibility workwear is coloured in bright neon hues for safety.
Synthetic dyes have revolutionized the textile business but brought environmental problems. Fabric dye effluents contaminate rivers and ecosystems worldwide, making the textile dyeing business a major water polluter. Chemicals used in synthetic dye manufacture can harm workers and the environment.
Sustainable dyeing processes include non-toxic, biodegradable dyes, water-saving dyeing, and closed-loop dye waste recycling are becoming more popular. Some companies are also employing microbes to make natural colours or producing environmentally friendly synthetic dyes.
Dyeing textiles is an art and science with a long history that affects fashion and textiles. Colour has always shaped how we express ourselves through fabric, from natural dyes to manufactured dyes. The industry must reconcile the requirement for brilliant, durable colours with the growing need for sustainable, ecologically responsible operations. Textile dyeing will continue to influence how we dress, decorate, and engage with the world, whether through conventional or cutting-edge processes.
দেশের সবচেয়ে বড় রপ্তানি আয়ের উৎস তৈরি পোশাক খাত। কিন্তু বিগত আওয়ামী সরকারের আমল থেকেই এই খাতের রপ্তানিতে দেখা যাচ্ছে নিম্নমুখী প্রবণতা। বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের তথ্য মতে চলতি বছরের দ্বিতীয় প্রান্তিকে বা এপ্রিল-জুন মাসে তৈরি পোশাক থেকে মোট রপ্তানি আয় দাঁড়িয়েছে ৮৮৩ কোটি ৭১ লাখ ডলার, যা আগের প্রান্তিক বা জানুয়ারি-মার্চ সময়ে আসা রপ্তানি আয়ের তুলনায় ৩৬.০২ শতাংশ কম। জানুয়ারি-মার্চ প্রান্তিকে এক হাজার ১৭৭ কোটি ৩৮ লাখ ডলারের রপ্তানি আয় এসেছিল এই খাত থেকে।
খাতসংশ্লিষ্ট ব্যক্তিরা বলছেন, অর্থনৈতিক টানাপড়েনে মূল্যস্ফীতি বেড়েছে ইউরোপীয় ইউনিয়নসহ (ইইউ) পশ্চিমা দেশগুলোতে। ফলে ব্যয় সংকোচনের অংশ হিসেবে পোশাক কেনা কমিয়েছেন ওই সব দেশের নাগরিকরা। এই দেশগুলো বাংলাদেশের পোশাক রপ্তানির বড় বাজার হওয়ায় রপ্তানির নেতিবাচক প্রভাব পড়েছে পুরো খাতে।
বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের তথ্য বলছে, চলতি বছরের দ্বিতীয় প্রান্তিকে বাংলাদেশের তৈরি পোশাক রপ্তানির শীর্ষ গন্তব্য ছিল মার্কিন যুক্তরাষ্ট্র।বড় রপ্তানি বাজারের মধ্যে আরো রয়েছে—জার্মানি, যুক্তরাজ্য, স্পেন, ফ্রান্স, নেদারল্যান্ডস, ইতালি, কানাডা ও বেলজিয়াম। এই ৯টি দেশ থেকে বাংলাদেশ আরএমজি বা তৈরি পোশাক থেকে ৬৩৫ কোটি ৯২ লাখ মার্কিন ডলার আয় করেছে, যা মোট আরএমজি রপ্তানির ৭১.৯৭ শতাংশ।
বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের ওই প্রতিবেদনে আরো উল্লেখ করা হয়, তৈরি পোশাকের নিট রপ্তানি (আরএমজি রপ্তানি মূল্য থেকে কাঁচামাল আমদানি মূল্য বিয়োগ করে নির্ধারিত) ছিল ৫০৪ কোটি ডলার বা মোট আরএমজি রপ্তানির ৫৭ শতাংশ।
চলতি অর্থবছরের এপ্রিল-জুন প্রান্তিকে তৈরি পোশাক রপ্তানি থেকে যে আয় দেশে এসেছে, এর মধ্যে নিটওয়্যার এগিয়ে আছে।আলোচ্য সময়ে নিটওয়্যার থেকে রপ্তানি আয় এসেছে ৪৭৪ কোটি ৭৯ লাখ ডলার। অপরদিকে ওভেন থেকে রপ্তানি আয় এসেছে ৪০৮ কোটি ৯১ লাখ ডলার। গতকাল সোমবার কেন্দ্রীয় ব্যাংকের এক প্রতিবেদন থেকে এসব তথ্য জানা গেছে।
প্রতিবেদন পর্যালোচনা করে দেখা গেছে, এপ্রিল-জুন প্রান্তিকে তৈরি পোশাক খাতের জন্য কাঁচামাল আমদানি করা হয়েছে ৩৭৯ কোটি ৬৮ লাখ ডলারের। এ সময় রপ্তানি করা হয়েছে ৮৮৩ কোটি ৭১ লাখ ডলারের পোশাক।অর্থাৎ আলোচ্য সময়ে তৈরি পোশাক খাতের কাঁচামাল আমদানি বাদ দিয়ে নিট রপ্তানি আয় হয়েছে ৫০৪ কোটি দুই লাখ ডলার। জানুয়ারি-মার্চ প্রান্তিকে নিট রপ্তানি আয়ের পরিমাণ ছিল ৫৮৯ কোটি ২৩ লাখ ডলার। আলোচ্য সময়ের ব্যবধানে নিট রপ্তানির পরিমাণও কমেছে।
যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের বাজারে পোশাক রপ্তানিতে প্রতিযোগীদের চেয়ে পিছিয়ে পড়ছে বাংলাদেশ। চলতি ২০২৪ সালের প্রথম আট মাস জানুয়ারি-আগস্টে বাজারটিতে বাংলাদেশসহ শীর্ষ পাঁচ রপ্তানিকারক দেশেরই রপ্তানি কমেছে। তবে অন্যদের তুলনায় বাংলাদেশের রপ্তানি অনেক বেশি কমেছে। ইউএস ডিপার্টমেন্ট অব কমার্সের আওতাধীন অফিস অব টেক্সটাইল অ্যান্ড অ্যাপারেলের (অটেক্সা) হালনাগাদ পরিসংখ্যানে এমন তথ্যই উঠে এসেছে। এতে বলা হয়েছে, যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের ব্যবসায়ীরা চলতি বছরের প্রথম আট মাসে বিশ্বের বিভিন্ন দেশ থেকে সব মিলিয়ে ৫ হাজার ১৩০ কোটি মার্কিন ডলার মূল্যের তৈরি পোশাক আমদানি করেছেন। এই আমদানি গতবছরের একই সময়ের চেয়ে ৪ দশমিক ১১ শতাংশ কম। অটেক্সার তথ্যানুযায়ী, যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের বাজারে গত জানুয়ারি থেকে আগস্ট পর্যন্ত আট মাসে মোট ৪৭১ কোটি ডলারের তৈরি পোশাক রপ্তানি করেছেন বাংলাদেশের উদ্যোক্তারা। এই রপ্তানি গতবছরের একই সময়ের তুলনায় ৯ দশমিক ১৬ শতাংশ কম। গতবছর একই সময়ে দেশটিতে ৭২৯ কোটি ডলারের তৈরি পোশাক রপ্তানি করেছিল বাংলাদেশ। বর্তমানে এই বাজারে বাংলাদেশ তৃতীয় সর্বোচ্চ পোশাক রপ্তানিকারক। তৈরি পোশাকে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে বাংলাদেশের বাজার হিস্যা এখন ৯ শতাংশ।
যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের বাজারে তৈরি পোশাক রপ্তানিতে শীর্ষস্থান ধরে রেখেছে চীন। তাদের দখলে রয়েছে পোশাকের ২১ দশমিক ১৮ শতাংশ বাজার হিস্যা। চলতি বছরের প্রথম আট মাসে ১ হাজার ৬৯ কোটি ডলারের পোশাক রপ্তানি করেছে দেশটি, যা গতবছরের একই সময়ের চেয়ে ২ দশমিক ৯৮ শতাংশ কম। এছাড়া মার্কিন বাজারে দ্বিতীয় শীর্ষ রপ্তানিকারক ভিয়েতনাম। যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে শীর্ষ পাঁচ তৈরি পোশাক রপ্তানিকারক দেশের মধ্যে ভিয়েতনামই দ্রুত ঘুরে দাঁড়াচ্ছে। তারা আলোচ্য জানুয়ারি-আগস্ট আট মাসে ৯৫৬ কোটি ডলারের পোশাক রপ্তানি করেছে, যা গতবছরের একই সময়ের ৯৬৬ কোটি ডলারের রপ্তানির চেয়ে ১ শতাংশ কম। অটেক্সার তথ্যানুযায়ী, যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে চতুর্থ ও পঞ্চম শীর্ষ পোশাক রপ্তানিকারক যথাক্রমে ভারত ও ইন্দোনেশিয়ার রপ্তানিও কমেছে। গত জানুয়ারি-আগস্ট সময়ে ভারত রপ্তানি করেছে ৩২১ কোটি ডলারের পোশাক। তাদের রপ্তানি কমেছে ১ দশমিক ৪৭ শতাংশ। অন্যদিকে ইন্দোনেশিয়ার রপ্তানি কমেছে ৭ দশমিক ১৬ শতাংশ। তাদের রপ্তানির পরিমাণ ২৬৮ কোটি ডলার। এদিকে, যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে গত ১০ বছরে বাংলাদেশের তৈরি পোশাক রপ্তানি বেড়েছে ৫৭ শতাংশ। ২০১৩ সালে রপ্তানির পরিমাণ ছিল ৪৬৫ কোটি ডলার। ওই বছরের এপ্রিলে সাভারের রানা প্লাজা ধসের পর দেশটিতে পোশাক রপ্তানি কমে যায়। তবে চীনের সঙ্গে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের বাণিজ্যযুদ্ধ শুরু হওয়ার পর থেকে আবার অবস্থার পরিবর্তন হতে থাকে। চীনের ওপর নির্ভরতা কমানোর পাশাপাশি বাড়তি শুল্ক থেকে বাঁচতে বাংলাদেশসহ বিভিন্ন দেশে ক্রয়াদেশ স্থানান্তর করে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের ক্রেতা প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলো। মাঝে করোনার ধাক্কার পর ২০২২ সালে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে বাজারে রেকর্ড ৯৭২ কোটি ডলারের পোশাক রপ্তানি করে বাংলাদেশ।
যদিও রাশিয়া-ইউক্রেন যুদ্ধের কারণে আবার রপ্তানিতে নেতিবাচক প্রভাব পড়ে। এ বছরের কোটা সংস্কার আন্দোলন, ছাত্র-জনতার গণ-অভ্যুত্থান, বন্যা ও শ্রম অসন্তোষের কারণে টানা তিন মাস পোশাক খাতের উৎপাদন ও রপ্তানি বাধাগ্রস্ত হয়েছে। তবে নোবেল বিজয়ী অর্থনীতিবিদ ড. মুহাম্মদ ইউনূসের নেতৃত্বে অন্তর্বর্তী সরকার গঠনের প্রেক্ষাপটে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের বাজার নিয়ে আশাবাদী পোশাকশিল্পের উদ্যোক্তারা। এ প্রসঙ্গে নিট পোশাকশিল্প মালিকদের সংগঠন বিকেএমইএর নির্বাহী সভাপতি ফজলে শামীম এহসান বলেন, ‘মূল্যস্ফীতি বেড়ে যাওয়ায় যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে তৈরি নিত্যপণ্য নয় এমন পণ্যের বিক্রি কমেছিল। তার প্রভাবে আমাদের রপ্তানি কমেছিল। সাম্প্রতিক সময়ে অস্থিরতার কারণে বিদেশী ক্রেতারা কিছুটা শঙ্কার মধ্যে আছে।
তবে সুশাসন নিশ্চিত করা গেলে আমরা দ্রুতই ঘুরে দাঁড়াব। তিনি বলেন, অধ্যাপক ড. মুহাম্মদ ইউনূস প্রধান উপদেষ্টা হিসেবে দায়িত্ব নেওয়ার পর আমরা যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের বাজার নিয়ে আশাবাদী। তার মাধ্যমে আমরা যদি দেশটি থেকে কোনো ধরনের শুল্ক সুবিধা নিতে পারি, তাহলে আমাদের রপ্তানি বাড়বে।
The denim manufacturing business stands at the crossroads between its iconic style and the urgent call for sustainability. While the demand for denim is rising daily, the environmental footprint of denim production is also growing accordingly. This, in turn, is the need of the hour not only for the planet but also for the longevity of the industry itself. Efficiency in denim washing increases and waste is minimized, hence reducing their impact on natural resources to a minimum.
This article looks at some of the innovative approaches and practices that are reordering the denim industry, transforming it into one that is much more eco-friendly, yet neither at the cost of quality nor style.
Figure: Efficiency in denim washing increases and waste is minimized, hence reducing their impact on natural resources to a minimum. Courtesy: Warptex
Smoothening out inefficiencies and waste are critical steps toward higher productivity and lower costs in manufacturing, service industries, and personal tasks. Following are strategies to improve efficiency and reduce wastage:
Lean Principles
Muda (Waste Elimination): Identify and eliminate any process that creates no value. Seven traditional sources of wastes are over-production, waiting, transport, extra processing, inventory, motion, and defects.
Just-in-Time: Produce only what is needed in the quantity needed when it is needed to avoid wasteful unnecessary inventory and waste.
Kaizen/Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture of continuous, incremental improvements at all levels within the organization.
Process Optimization
Value Stream Mapping: Maps the whole process in order to find out the deadlocks, redundancy, and wastage of time. It will help in streamlining processes in order to avoid the useless steps.
Automation: Automate the time and repeated activities so that human errors are minimized to save the valuable time of yourself and offer good resources utilization.
Standard Operating Procedure: The main purpose of making a standardized procedure for any activity is to avoid the inefficiency in work due to different methods being applied.
Resource Management
Energy Efficiency: Utilize energy-efficient equipment and make proper lighting also reduce time when machines are on idle conditions to waste less energy.
Waste of Material: Accurate measurement and design software ensures lessening the generation of wastes during production. Recycling material, where possible, also contributes to reduction in overall wastes.
Labour Deployment: Human resources shall be utilized for the tasks that are best suited for their skills and without over- or under-deployment of resources.
Data-driven decision-making
Monitoring KPIs: Continuously monitor KPIs such as cycle times, production output, waste levels, and employee productivity to look out for processes inefficiencies.
Predictive Maintenance: Design systems to monitor equipment health so that breakdowns can be predicted and prevented in advance, thus reducing downtime and costly fixes.
Employee Training and Involvement
Employee Skills Training: Trained employees on best practices, new tools, and means of efficiency will be more efficient. An educated staff will know how to identify and correct inefficiencies. Employee
Consulting: Engage employees in the efficiency process by encouraging them to suggest potential improvements.
Waste Prevention Programs
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Implement a policy that adopts reducing usage of materials, reusing as appropriate, and recycling.
Zero-Waste Goals: Have goals of minimizing or altogether eliminating wastes, especially in the food business or industries in manufacturing that over-utilize too much material.
Author: Md. Saiful Islam Khan, GM (Washing), Denitex Limited (Armana Group).
Supply Chain Optimization
Cooperation with Suppliers: Work with suppliers in optimizing raw material deliveries, avoiding over-ordering, and wasting less due to over-packaging.
Logistics Management: Utilize proper forecasting models to ensure stock on hand at all times but avoid redundant inventory and losses from spoilage.
Technology and Tools
AI and Machine Learning: Using AI in big data processing for inefficiency identification or more accurate demand forecasting to help in resource planning.
Digital Collaboration Tools: The usage of project management and/or communication software like Slack, Asana, and Trello makes it easier to coordinate everything within the team and minimizes probable delays.
With continuous process monitoring and optimization, new technologies, and a culture of continuous improvement, significant waste reduction and effectiveness can be achieved within an organization or by an individual.
1.Problem: The manufacturing sector and in particular its largest component, the RMG (Readymade Garment) component, has grown over the years using two basic energy systems: (1) Taking electricity from the national grid; or (2) taking gas and generating the electricity for a particular factory. In both cases the enterprise establishs a standby system for periods when the basic system fails. This is typically generators using diesel oil as fuel. The frequency of outages has been so high that the costs of running the standby system has become significant.
The growth of the Bangladesh economy depends critically on an expanding volume of exports. Export growth will come largely from manufacturing. There is limited scope for exports of agricultural products other than shrimp nor non-IT services. To achieve this outcome the available energy supply must be efficient, stable, and good quality. This is one of the key problems that needs to be solved. It is unrealistic to expect Government services providing gas and power to significantly increase performance in the next five years. Government enterprises do not have a commitment to making profits resulting in poor performance. Nowhere is this more evident than in the energy sector.
This article focusses on one way to tackle the problem. There is much anguish over the difficulties of providing stable electricity supply to manufacturing. To so requires capital, proper experienced management, and a corruption free environment. These are not available.
Situation: There are a significant number of power outages or periods of low gas pressure. These arise from: (1) the lack of foreign exchange to purchase fuel by the companies responsible for generating electricity from the failure of the Government to pay the providers of electricity or fuel. The shortage of skilled manpower due to misuse of the funding available for training mid-level officers. (3) The unwillingness to collect accurate data on losses. There are two short run problems: Availability of foreign exchange to pay for the fuel and providing sufficient capacity to unload LNG. As a consequence, despite adequate generating capacity inadequate fuel supply leads to outages. These shortages in gas and electricity result in reduced production or higher costs in the manufacturing sector.
There is a basic shortage of gas, the country’s favorite fuel. Chevron is essentially producing at the maximum rate consistent with good reservoir management but their gas fields will be finished in the early 2030s. The Government owned fields have been poorly managed and little increase in reserves has been achieved through drilling new wells. In addition, there are substantial losses from leakage in the transmission and distribution systems of gas and electricity.
The transmission system has been unable to provide electricity with steady frequency and voltage. This results in equipment loss or increased maintenance costs raising the cost of production.
The Government apparently decided to step away from serious exploration for natural gas. Many exploration opportunities were rejected and there was an unwillingness to raise gas prices to encourage exploration, forcing the economy to develop infrastructure for import of LNG. A limited amount of such infrastructure has been constructed and the import of LNG started. Changing the long run strategy for fueling the electricity system has not been seriously considered. Instead, the planners stayed with the status quo despite the recognition this would not work. This foolish, short-sighted policy is why we are in the mess of today.
It is unlikely that there will a sustainable resolution of the problems of the power system until there is an increase in exports providing foreign exchange. But exports cannot increase until the power system improves.
Different approach: A new transmission-distribution company should be established that serves manufacturing organizations, particularly the RMG sector. This new transmission and distribution system would be separate from the existing one. Due to the geographical concentration of the RMG factories in a few areas much of the industry can be covered with a limited transmission system. Over time this new transmission system can be extended to Economic Zones when there is sufficient demand from a zone. Other major factories may be included.
This RMG focused transmission-distribution system should be privately owned and operated. Through international bidding an experienced company can be found. Perhaps with discussion with major garment buyers a short list can be established as the basis of the biding. As a loan will probably be required, a guarantee or actual equity participation might be obtained from an international financial institution.
The RMG companies should probably not be allowed to participate in the ownership of this company. This new company would construct a transmission-distribution system connected to the factories and Economic Zones and selected power generating companies. The Power Purchase Agreements would be between selected Power Generating companies and this new transmission-distribution company.
The price of electricity to the RMG factory, the Economic Zone or other allowed manufacturing sectors would be established from the actual costs. [purchase cost of the electricity plus the actual cost of the company and a reasonable target return on capital]. The Government should reserve the right to subsidize electricity sale price so RMG factories that produce garments using a particular type of fabric. This might take place as part of an industrial policy to promote a particular line of manufacturing. Subsidies can be introduced according to Government policy. Of course, one wants to avoid subsidies but this method at least is clearly controlled.
The new company would contract with several generating companies to purchase electricity according to agreed prices. As most customers will be exporters, an agreement will insure that sufficient foreign exchange is available from the export earnings to make the foreign exchange payments necessary. One can examine use of an L/C issued by this transmission institution in parallel with the export document where the power costs are excluded from the sales contract, the buyer being responsible for both.
The new transmission system will enable improvement of electricity to manufacturing industries as follows:
a. less variation in frequency b. less variation in voltage c. fewer power outages
Conclusion
This note proposes a special transmission-distribution system for manufacturing industries. It would not necessarily cover the entire industry but over time the manufacturing facilities should be largely covered. Using a private company, probably foreign owned, to finance and operate this new system would provide a reliable, quality product.
One can be confident that the delivered power cost will be lower. The real advantage is the factories will be confident that they will receive quality electricity. In the early days of the new economy that emerged after 1990 there were developments in gas and power expansion through IPP and PSC contracts executed with foreigners. Complaints that the foreign investors would result in higher cost projects proved wrong. These early energy project provided Bangladesh with very cheap energy. But after 2000 the Government abandoned this approach. Costs rose.
One can expect considerable interest in such a project by foreign companies if there is international bidding. The TOR is readily prepared. To move forward with this project maps must be prepared of the areas where there is a concentration of RMG and other large industrial establishments. The gas and electricity requirements for each factory is established by asking the enterprise and by checking the billing records of purchases. Engineers should then be able to design the transmission-distribution network. This becomes a feasibility study prepared for contracting for consultants. On the basis of the consultants’ report an international tender is put out for a company to construct and operate this new transmission-distribution system.
When completed this system of power delivery will ensure good quality electricity to the manufacturing sector. We believe that the price of electricity will be lower yet will cover the costs. The system can also be extended to Economic Zones or Export Processing Zones when there is sufficient demand in a zone. The project as outlined does not deal with the delivery of natural gas to the factories.
পোশাক রপ্তানিতে বাংলাদেশের অন্যতম প্রতিদ্বন্দ্বী দেশ ভারত। কম মজুরির বিপুল শ্রমিক আর অবকাঠামো উন্নয়নের মধ্য দিয়ে পোশাক রপ্তানিতে দেশটি দ্রুত এগিয়ে যাচ্ছে। ইউরোপ-আমেরিকার পাশাপাশি এশিয়ার বাজারেও ভারতের রপ্তানি বাড়ছে। সম্প্রতি বস্ত্রশিল্পের জন্য একটি রোডম্যাপ বা পথনকশা তৈরি করেছে ভারত।দেশটির লক্ষ্য ২০৩০ সালের মধ্যে এটিকে ৩৫ হাজার কোটি ডলারের শিল্পে উন্নীত করা। এ ছাড়া এই সময়ের মধ্যে বস্ত্রশিল্পে সাড়ে চার কোটি থেকে ছয় কোটি কর্মসংস্থান তৈরি করাও ভারত সরকারের লক্ষ্য বলে জানিয়েছেন বস্ত্রমন্ত্রী গিরিরাজ সিং। ভারতীয় গণমাধ্যম ইকোনমিক টাইমস জানিয়েছে, ভারতের বস্ত্রশিল্পের বর্তমান আকার ১৬ হাজার ৪০০ কোটি ডলার। অর্থাৎ সরকারের লক্ষ্য আগামী ছয় বছরের মধ্যেই বস্ত্রশিল্পের আকার দ্বিগুণেরও বেশি বড় করা।
