Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports hit an impressive $38.48 billion in 2024, showcasing the sector’s ongoing success. The European Union remained the largest market, accounting for 50.34% of total RMG exports, valued at $19.37 billion. The United States followed with $7.2 billion (18.72%), while the United Kingdom contributed $4.3 billion (11.25%), Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of BGMEA, shared the data. RMG machinery, allied products mega-expo starts Jan 8 in Dhaka Germany, Spain, and France were key markets within the EU, importing $4.83 billion, $3.42 billion, and $2.14 billion worth of RMG products, respectively. Canada also played a notable role, with exports totalling $1.24 billion and a 3.23% market share. Beyond traditional markets, Bangladesh is making notable strides in non-traditional regions. Exports to countries like Japan, Australia, India, Turkey, and Russia amounted to $6.33 billion, or 16.46% of total RMG exports. Japan was the top destination among these markets, with $1.12 billion in exports, followed by Australia at $831 million, India at $606 million, Turkey at $426 million, and Russia at $343 million. Proportion of women in RMG sector declining as few fill mid-to-top level positions This expansion into non-traditional markets is helping to diversify Bangladesh’s export base and strengthen the resilience of its RMG industry on the global stage.

Ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr (March-end), garment workers in Dhaka have issued a set of six demands, including a bonus equivalent to one month’s wage, as part of a broader call for fair treatment and improved working conditions. The demands were voiced by the Dhaka Garment Workers’ Wage Increase Struggle Council during a rally held in front of the National Press Club on Friday. Proportion of women in RMG sector declining as few fill mid-to-top level positions Speakers at the rally highlighted the mounting pressures caused by skyrocketing living costs, arguing that current wages are inadequate to meet even basic needs. Prices of essential goods keep rising, but the wages remain unchanged; it's becoming impossible to survive, said one protester. Workers accused employers of withholding portions of their salaries, forcing many to take on grueling work schedules of 14-16 hours a day. Despite the labor law stipulation for double overtime pay, they claim employers routinely fail to comply. RMG machinery, allied products mega-expo starts Jan 8 in Dhaka The workers also criticized the widespread delay in salary payments. Under the law, wages are to be disbursed by the 7th of each month, but workers allege this deadline is rarely met. Many also condemned the practice of withholding wages until the night before Eid, calling it "illegal and inhumane." The garment workers outlined six primary demands: 1. Set minimum wages in line with rising market prices. 2. Limit workdays to 8 hours and enforce double pay for overtime. 3. Provide a bonus equivalent to one month’s wages for Eid-ul-Fitr. 4. Ensure salaries are paid by the 7th of every month. 5. Abolish the practice of withholding wages until just before Eid. 6. Enhance workplace safety, ensure job security, introduce equal pay for female workers, and provide health-friendly meals and night allowances for night shifts. Speakers at the rally demanded fair treatment, better working conditions, and compliance with existing labor laws.

Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), met with Anwar Hossain, Administrator of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), at the BGMEA Complex on Sunday. During the meeting, they discussed a range of crucial issues related to Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry, including workplace safety, workers' rights, labour law reforms, and environmental sustainability, according to a media statement. The conversation also highlighted ongoing ILO-led initiatives, particularly the Better Work Bangladesh programme, which aims to improve working conditions and ensure occupational safety for RMG workers. Netherlands Ambassador, BGMEA Administrator discuss collaboration for a sustainable RMG industry in Bangladesh Both Poutiainen and Hossain emphasised the need for continued efforts to create safer, fairer, and more sustainable workplaces in the sector. In addition, the discussion focused on potential future collaboration between the ILO and BGMEA, especially in capacity building aligned with international standards, such as the European Union’s Due Diligence Directive. This directive aims to hold companies accountable for human rights and environmental impacts across their supply chains. Anwar Hossain highlighted the significant progress the industry has made in workplace safety, workers' rights, and environmental sustainability. He reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to further advancing these areas. Sri Lankan envoy discusses trade opportunities with BGMEA The BGMEA also urged the ILO to consider projects that promote social dialogue and harmonious industrial relations within Bangladesh’s RMG sector. Furthermore, they called for collaboration in developing the workforce’s skills in line with advancements in AI and technology. BGMEA Support Committee Member ANM Saifuddin was also present at the meeting.

The government has recommended an annual increment of 9% for workers in the readymade garment sector, increasing four present salaries from the existing five percent, said Brigadier General (Retd.) Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser on Shipping and Labour & Employment. Besides, the annual increment determined by the Minimum Wage Board, equivalent to 5% of the existing salary, will continue to remain in effect, he said while speaking at a press briefing held at the ministry on Monday. Washington lauds labour reforms, expects more; stands by RMG The additional 4% increment, as per the recommendations, will be implemented from December 1, 2024 and disbursed along with the salary for January, he said. Along with this salary increase, other benefits related to the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 (as amended) will also be applicable, said the adviser. He further said that this wage increment will remain in effect until it is re-evaluated by the government or a new minimum wage rate is announced by the Minimum Wage Board. Action urged to address long-term decline in women's share of workers in RMG Sakhawat also urged both employers and workers to work together to implement the recommendation in the national interest.

The U.S. apparel imports data by the country from January-September of 2023 and 2024 suggests that while the overall U.S. apparel import saw a slight decline, there was significant movement within the market, with some countries experiencing growth and others declined. Total U.S. apparel imports decreased by 2.47% between Jan-Sep 2023 and Jan-Sep 2024, said Mohiuddin Rubel, former Director of BGMEA and Additional Managing Director, Denim Expert Ltd. Among all the reported countries, a substantial decrease in imports from Bangladesh is concerning, which is -6.29%. This is a significant drop compared to other major suppliers, he said. However, the decline was even higher in the January-August period, meaning that a significant growth in import from Bangladesh was achieved in the month of September 2024. Several countries showed growth in apparel imports to the U.S., including Vietnam (1.27%), Cambodia (7.15%), and Pakistan (2.41%). This suggests a shift in sourcing patterns. Varied performance of different apparel-exporting countries, indicate a competitive global market which has been significantly driven by price and supply chain stability, Rubel said.

Representatives from the Buyers' Forum met with BGMEA Administrator Md. Anwar Hossain at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka today to discuss the current state and sustainable growth prospects of Bangladesh's garment industry. Members of the BGMEA Support Committee also attended the meeting. The discussions focused on key issues facing the garment industry, including strategies to further boost Bangladesh's garment exports. Md. Anwar Hossain expressed gratitude for the continued support from global brands and emphasized the industry's progress in workplace safety, environmental sustainability, and worker welfare, urging brands to promote these achievements internationally. Representatives from major global brands sourcing from Bangladesh, including H&M, Marks & Spencer, VF Corporation, Gemo, Celio, Gap, OUS, Auchan, CSS, Allure Sourcing, Otto International, and El Corte Inglés, were present at the meeting, underscoring the collaborative effort to drive sustainable growth in the sector.

One more readymade garment (RMG) factory of the country has achieved the recognition of the LEED certification this month, raising the number of the LEED certified factories to 230. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognised green building rating system that emphasises environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. The recognition of the LEED certification refers to underscoring the country's commitment to green initiatives within the garment sector, said Mohiuddin Rubel, additional managing director of Denim Expert Ltd and former director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). Of the 230 certified factories, 92 have achieved the highest, platinum rating, 124 have earned gold, 10 silver and 4 are certified, as reported by the BGMEA. The newly certified factory is Cotton Field BD Ltd. Admin Building on Sataish Road in Rajnagar area in Gazipur’s Tongi. The factory secured the platinum category with a score of 86. Bangladesh’s achievement positions the country as a leader in the global sustainable fashion movement, with 62 out of the 100 LEED-certified green factories worldwide located here, according to BGMEA. This includes 20 out of the top 20 LEED-certified factories globally, based on BGMEA data. The geographic distribution of these certifications within Bangladesh illustrates the RMG industry's widespread commitment to sustainability. Despite the challenges posed by the global economic landscape, along with the current national and geopolitical developments, Bangladesh’s RMG industry continues to demonstrate resilience and an unwavering commitment to sustainable growth. This progress in achieving such a significant number of LEED certifications highlights the industry’s proactive approach to enhancing environmental sustainability and reinforcing its position as a reliable sourcing destination, said a BGMEA media release.

Proactive steps are necessary to support Ready-Made Garment (RMG) workers who are at risk of unemployment as automation continues to grow in Bangladesh’s garment sector. In the next two years, 80% of garment factory owners in Bangladesh plan to invest in automated machines, according to data from research which was presented by LightCastle Partners at a dialogue event held in Gulshan. This was presented at an event at a hotel in the capital’s Gulshan on Monday organised by  LightCastle Partners, an international leading business consultancy firm, in partnership with Policy Exchange Bangladesh. Automation in the sector is expected to grow by over 13% during this period. Despite the increase in efficiency and projected production increases of up to 22%, concerns about rising unemployment persist. Out of an average of 2,250 workers per factory, only 500 are expected to be directly involved with automation processes, leaving many workers at risk. Automation, while presenting challenges for the workforce, is also key to enhancing the industry’s global competitiveness. Govt plans to introduce pension for RMG workers: Asif Advanced technologies can significantly boost productivity, improve quality control, and lower operational costs, ensuring that Bangladesh’s RMG sector maintains its competitive edge internationally. Embracing automation allows the industry to meet increasing demand for high-quality products with shorter lead times—critical for international buyers. Zahedul Amin, co-founder and director of LightCastle Partners, delivered a keynote presentation titled "Future-Proofing RMG: Tackling Automation for Sustainable Growth and Worker Wellbeing." He highlighted the need for a balanced approach that supports industry competitiveness through automation while safeguarding the workforce through upskilling and reskilling initiative. The event emphasized the need for urgent action to address the potential impacts of automation on the workforce, calling for recommendations that ensure sustainable growth while protecting the livelihoods of garment workers. During his presentation, Zahedul Amin shared findings from a recent research that showed 93% of garment operators in Bangladesh are willing to work with automated machines, with 70% of female workers expressing interest in gaining new skills for operating modern machinery. All RMG factories except 3 open in Savar, Ashulia, Gazipur Dr. M Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, moderated the dialogue, where industry leaders and experts discussed the pressing issues. Kazi Faisal Bin Seraj, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the need for collective action to future-proof the RMG industry. The speakers highlighted a range of strategies for ensuring the RMG sector’s resilience in the face of technological changes, including prioritizing the procurement of updated technologies, enhancing occupational safety, and implementing upskilling and reskilling programs to transition workers into new roles. According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh ranks second globally in ready-made garment exports. In the 2023 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported $47 billion worth of garments. The RMG sector contributed 10.35% to the country’s GDP in 2023, employing 4.1 million workers, 60% of whom are women. As Bangladesh's garment industry faces transformative changes, LightCastle Partners remains at the forefront of developing strategies that combine technological advancement with worker protection, ensuring a sustainable and competitive future for the sector.

Only three garment factories out of 1278 were closed in Savar, Ashulia, Gazipur on Wednesday. There was no significant disruptions in the garment industry in the major hubs including Savar, Ashulia, Narayanganj, and Gazipur, according to a government source. Only one factory out of 401 in Savar and Ashulia areas was closed while in Gazipur, one factory out of 871 was closed, according to a government source. Moreover, one out of 301 factories in Dhaka metropolitan area remained closed. RMG workers’ protests disrupt traffic in Dhaka’s Mirpur All factories in industrial hub Narayaganj remained open. According to data, the overall operation rate in Savar-Ashulia areas was high, with 99.76% of factories open. The closure rate stood at 0.24%. In Gazipur, the ratios was 99.89 percent and 00.11 percent respectively.   Narayaganj witnessed  100 percent operation of factories. Dhaka city saw a 99.97 percent opening while 00.33 percent closure.

The industries adviser to the interim government, Adilur Rahman Khan, has warned that anyone attempting to shut down factories to destabilise the government and harm the economy will be remembered. "The government will implement special measures to tackle the labour unrest in ready-made garment (RMG) factories," said Adilur, while speaking at a views exchange meeting on "Ongoing crisis in RMG factories and potential solutions" held at BGMEA Building in Uttara on Saturday. The meeting also unanimously decided that all garment factories in the country will be open from tomorrow (Sunday). However, for the sake of the country and its industries, and to protect jobs, if the workers in a  particular factory do not work, leave the factory without working, or create chaos in the factory, only then the owner of that factory can take steps according to the labour Act 13 (1) or no work no pay basis. BGMEA president Khandaker Rafiqul Islam presided over the view-exchange meeting with three of the advisers of the interim government - Industry adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Fisheries and Livestock adviser Farida Akhtar and Labor and Employment adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Labor Secretary A HM Safiquzzaman, Major General Moin Khan, NDC, PAC, GOC, Ninth Infantry Division, head of  Industrial  Police Sigat Ullah, BKMEA President, Past Presidents of BGMEA, Board of Directors members of BGMEA and general members of BGMEA participated in the event.