The garments sector, specifically the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) industry, is one of the most significant contributors to Bangladesh’s economy. It involves the mass production of clothing and textiles, primarily for export markets. Since its rise in the late 1970s, the sector has grown to make Bangladesh the second-largest garment exporter globally, following China.
The industry employs over four million people, predominantly women, and accounts for approximately 84% of the country’s total exports. Key export destinations include the U.S., the European Union, and Canada. The sector has been instrumental in driving economic growth, alleviating poverty, and empowering women.
However, the garments industry faces several challenges, such as dependency on imported raw materials, low wages, labor rights concerns, and environmental sustainability. Technological advancements and the demand for compliance with international standards also pose challenges.
To address these issues, Bangladesh is focusing on developing backward linkages, adopting new technologies, improving working conditions, and promoting sustainability. By addressing these challenges, the garments sector is expected to remain a vital pillar of Bangladesh’s economy and continue to contribute to its development.
Bangladesh has emerged as a major player in the global garments industry, contributing significantly to its economy. As one of the largest exporters of readymade garments (RMG), the country has achieved remarkable growth in this sector, which has led to economic empowerment, job creation, and global recognition. Despite the success, the garments industry faces several challenges that need to be addressed for sustained growth. This report delves into the progress made in Bangladesh’s industrial sector, focusing on the garments industry, the challenges it currently faces, and the strategies and future plans to overcome these obstacles.

The rise of Bangladesh’s garments industry can be traced back to the late 1970s, a period when the country was grappling with poverty, unemployment, and low levels of industrialization. The introduction of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA) by developed countries provided an opportunity for Bangladesh to enter the global market, as it allowed developing countries to export textiles and garments to industrialized nations under favorable conditions.
By the 1980s, Bangladesh’s garments industry began to flourish. The country’s abundant supply of low-cost labor became an attractive proposition for investors looking to manufacture goods at competitive prices. Over time, the garments industry grew exponentially, contributing significantly to Bangladesh’s GDP, foreign exchange earnings, and employment.

Today, Bangladesh is the second-largest garments exporter in the world, after China. The RMG sector contributes approximately 84% of the country’s total export earnings and employs over four million people, the majority of whom are women. This industry is the backbone of the country’s economy, playing a critical role in alleviating poverty, improving living standards, and empowering women.
Key markets for Bangladesh’s RMG exports include the United States, the European Union, and Canada. In addition to supplying garments to global retail giants like H&M, Zara, Walmart, and Gap, Bangladesh has also made efforts to diversify its product range, offering knitwear, woven garments, denim, and high-value fashion items.

Achievements in the Garments Sector
1. Economic Growth and Foreign Exchange Earnings: The garments industry has been a key driver of Bangladesh’s impressive GDP growth. As of recent years, the sector contributes billions of dollars to the national economy annually, generating substantial foreign exchange reserves.
2. Employment Generation: The garments industry is one of the largest employers in Bangladesh, providing jobs to millions, particularly women from rural areas. This has had a positive socio-economic impact, promoting gender equality and providing financial independence to women.
3. Upgrading Standards and Compliance: In response to global pressure for ethical manufacturing and sustainability, Bangladesh’s garments factories have made significant strides in improving working conditions, ensuring labor rights, and complying with international standards. The country has one of the highest numbers of green factories in the world, showcasing its commitment to environmentally sustainable production.
4. Infrastructure Development: Over the years, investments in infrastructure have helped streamline production and export processes. Improvements in port facilities, transportation, and energy supplies have contributed to the industry’s growth.
5. Product Diversification: While traditionally known for basic garments, the RMG sector in Bangladesh has gradually moved toward producing higher-value garments. Diversification into different products, such as technical textiles and fashion items, has allowed the country to expand its market reach.

Despite the impressive progress, the garments industry in Bangladesh faces several challenges that threaten its long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
1. Dependence on Imported Raw Materials: One of the major challenges is the over-reliance on imported raw materials, such as cotton, yarn, and fabrics. Although Bangladesh is a significant exporter of finished garments, it lacks the backward linkage industries needed to produce the majority of raw materials domestically. This reliance on imports increases production costs and lead times, limiting the country’s competitive advantage.
2. Low Wage Structure and Labor Rights Concerns: While the garments industry has created employment opportunities for millions, wages remain low compared to international standards. Moreover, labor rights issues, such as unsafe working conditions, long working hours, and inadequate wages, have often attracted negative attention from international buyers and labor organizations.
3. Compliance with International Standards: After the Rana Plaza tragedy in 2013, global buyers became more stringent about compliance with safety, labor, and environmental standards. While Bangladesh has made improvements, ensuring compliance with international standards remains a challenge, particularly for small and medium-sized factories.
4. Technological Advancements: The global garments industry is rapidly evolving with technological innovations like automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI). However, Bangladesh’s RMG sector is still labor-intensive and has been slow to adopt these technologies. Without embracing technological advancements, the industry risks falling behind in terms of efficiency and competitiveness.
5. Environmental Sustainability: The global push for sustainability is challenging for Bangladesh’s garments industry. The sector is energy-intensive, with a significant carbon footprint due to its reliance on fossil fuels. The use of chemicals and water in the dyeing and finishing processes also contributes to environmental degradation, and there is increasing pressure from buyers to adopt eco-friendly practices.
6. Skilled Workforce: While the garments industry employs millions of people, there is a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in areas like design, quality control, and technology. The lack of training and skills development programs limits the industry’s ability to move up the value chain and produce more sophisticated products.
7. Political and Economic Instability: Political instability, labor strikes, and economic challenges, such as inflation and currency fluctuations, can disrupt production and exports. Maintaining political stability and a favorable economic environment is crucial for the continued growth of the garments industry.

To overcome these challenges and ensure the sustainable growth of the garments industry, several strategies and future plans have been proposed by both the government and industry stakeholders.
1. Development of Backward Linkages: One of the key priorities for the garments sector is to develop a strong backward linkage industry to reduce dependence on imported raw materials. The government is encouraging investment in textile mills, spinning mills, and dyeing facilities to strengthen the domestic supply chain.
2. Wage Reform and Labor Rights: Ensuring fair wages and improving labor rights is essential for the long-term sustainability of the garments industry. Efforts are being made to raise wages and improve working conditions, with the government and industry leaders collaborating to enforce labor laws and safety standards.
3. Adoption of Technology and Innovation: To remain competitive, Bangladesh’s garments industry needs to embrace technological advancements. Investment in automation, AI, and robotics can enhance efficiency, reduce production costs, and improve product quality. The government is working on establishing technology parks and providing incentives to factories that adopt advanced technologies.
4. Environmental Sustainability: Bangladesh’s garments industry must transition to more sustainable practices to meet the demands of global buyers and environmental regulations. The government and industry leaders are promoting the use of renewable energy, waste reduction, and water recycling in production processes. Initiatives like the “Green Garment Factory” certification are encouraging factories to adopt eco-friendly practices.
5. Skills Development and Training: Developing a skilled workforce is critical for the future of the garments industry. Training programs and educational initiatives are being launched to upskill workers, particularly in areas like design, management, and technology. The government is also partnering with international organizations to provide training in sustainable production practices.
6. Market Diversification: To reduce dependence on traditional markets like the US and the EU, Bangladesh is exploring new export markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The government is actively negotiating trade agreements to improve market access and reduce tariffs on Bangladeshi garments.
7. Promotion of High-Value Products: Bangladesh aims to move up the value chain by producing high-value garments, such as designer clothing, technical textiles, and smart garments. Investing in research and development (R&D) and collaborating with international fashion brands are key strategies for achieving this goal.

The garments industry in Bangladesh has come a long way, contributing significantly to the country’s economic development and providing employment opportunities for millions. However, to sustain its growth and remain competitive in the global market, the industry must address several challenges, including dependence on imported raw materials, compliance with international standards, and environmental sustainability.
By adopting new technologies, improving labor rights, developing backward linkages, and promoting sustainability, the garments industry can continue to thrive and contribute to Bangladesh’s long-term prosperity. The government and industry stakeholders must work together to implement these strategies and ensure that the garments sector remains a driving force in the country’s industrial development.