United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) exports grew 5.82 percent year-on-year to $13.75 billion in the first four months of FY2026-27, compared to $12.99 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year, according to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data compiled by Bangladesh Apparel Voice (BAV). Knitwear exports performed better than woven garments during the July-October period, rising 6.79 percent to $7.73 billion, while woven exports increased 4.60 percent to $6.02 billion. Knitwear accounted for 56.2 percent of the country's total RMG exports. The country's total garment exports increased by $756 million during the period, with the United States contributing the largest share of the growth, followed by non-traditional markets and the European Union. Exports to the US increased 10.16 percent to $2.85 billion, adding $262.9 million to the overall growth. The US accounted for 20.73 percent of Bangladesh's total RMG exports, up from 19.92 percent a year earlier. Shipments of woven garments to the US rose 10.22 percent to $1.75 billion, while knitwear exports grew 10.06 percent to $1.10 billion. The US market absorbed 29.08 percent of Bangladesh's total woven exports. The European Union remained the largest destination for Bangladesh's RMG products, with exports reaching $6.43 billion, up 2.79 percent year-on-year. However, its share of total exports declined to 46.79 percent from 48.17 percent. Knitwear exports to the EU increased 4.28 percent, while woven exports recorded marginal growth of 0.29 percent. Spain emerged as the largest single EU market, with exports rising 13.36 percent to $1.448 billion, narrowly surpassing Germany, where exports remained almost unchanged at $1.439 billion, with a marginal growth of 0.01 percent. Among other major EU destinations, exports to the Netherlands increased 8.68 percent to $784.6 million, Poland 2.85 percent to $545.9 million, Sweden 10.59 percent to $240.1 million and Romania 45.28 percent to $68.8 million. However, exports declined to France by 7.87 percent to $611.1 million, Italy by 4.29 percent to $439.4 million, Denmark by 12.10 percent to $270.1 million and Belgium by 2.14 percent to $172.5 million. Exports to the United Kingdom rose 6.92 percent to $1.64 billion, driven by an 11.30 percent increase in knitwear shipments to $1.14 billion. Woven exports to the UK, however, fell 1.78 percent to $504 million. Shipments to Canada increased 2.41 percent to $452.9 million. Exports to non-traditional markets grew 9.30 percent to $2.37 billion, raising their combined share of Bangladesh's total RMG exports to 17.25 percent from 16.70 percent a year earlier. Turkey recorded the highest growth among these markets, with exports more than doubling to $206.5 million, up 107.05 percent. Knitwear shipments to the country surged 117.11 percent, while woven exports increased 92.74 percent. Turkey alone accounted for around 53 percent of the growth in exports to non-traditional markets. Japan remained the largest non-traditional market, with exports rising 2.40 percent to $437.3 million. Other markets also posted growth, including Australia, up 3.01 percent to $264 million; South Korea, up 5.82 percent to $151.3 million; Mexico, up 15.69 percent to $113.3 million; the United Arab Emirates, up 19.89 percent to $101.4 million; Brazil, up 36.79 percent to $78.3 million; and South Africa, up 15.24 percent to $49.3 million. In contrast, exports declined to India by 5.38 percent to $250.9 million, China by 3.17 percent to $91.1 million, Russia by 16.04 percent to $55.7 million and New Zealand by 10.55 percent to $30.9 million. Despite the growth in non-traditional markets, the European Union and the United States together accounted for 67.5 percent of Bangladesh's total RMG exports during July-October FY2026-27, slightly lower than 68.1 percent in the corresponding period a year earlier. The decline in their combined share reflects a gradual diversification of export destinations, supported by faster growth in non-traditional markets compared to the EU.  

Labour leaders have demanded that the new minimum wage for ready-made garment (RMG) workers be implemented from January 2027, urging the Minimum Wage Board to expedite its meetings and finalise the wage structure without delay. They called for consecutive meetings of the board, with only one or two days between sessions, suggesting that members even hold overnight discussions if necessary to reach a decision quickly. The demands were made at a press conference at Labour Bhaban on Monday by Babul Akhter, workers' representative on the Minimum Wage Board and a labour leader. Explaining the proposed timeline, Akhter said the last minimum wage was announced in December 2023, meaning three years would be completed by December 2026. "Discussions should not be postponed on excuses such as holding meetings every 15 days or the absence of a representative who is abroad. Meetings should be held continuously, with only a one- or two-day interval between them. If necessary, we should hold all-night sessions to finalise the wages promptly." Speaking about the formation of the board, Akhter said although the law requires the Minimum Wage Board to be constituted within a specific timeframe, it was formed much later than scheduled. He also alleged that labour union leaders and workers were being indiscriminately arrested and implicated in harassment cases to suppress the workers' movement. Demanding the immediate release of detained workers and the withdrawal of what he described as false cases against them, Akhter also urged workers to return to their workplaces and refrain from staging sudden protests or agitations. Several other labour leaders were also present at the press conference.

The European Union policy measures targeting low-value imports have sharply curtailed ultra-cheap Chinese e-commerce air shipments, creating a shifting market dynamic that could favor reliable and compliant apparel exporters like Bangladesh. According to an analysis by Bangladesh Apparel Voice (BAV) and data from aviation consultancy Aevean, Chinese low-value e-commerce air volumes into the EU halved in September compared to the same period last year. The sharp downturn is primarily driven by new trade policies. Since July 1, the EU has levied a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value imports, applied per product category in each parcel. This duty is scheduled to remain in effect until July 2028. Furthermore, the EU is set to introduce an additional €2 handling fee on imported goods starting November 1. For e-commerce business models built on ultra-low pricing—such as €5 tops and €10 dresses shipped directly from factories to consumer doorsteps—these small fixed charges have a disproportionate impact. A €3 duty on a single €5 item represents a 60 percent price increase if passed on in full, effectively eroding the near-zero landed cost advantage that fueled the rapid growth of these platforms. While platforms are adjusting by warehousing stock within the EU and shipping in bulk to circumvent per-package fees, the regulatory shift has closed the loophole that previously allowed ultra-cheap imports to enter Europe completely duty-free. Implications for Bangladesh: Highlighting the significance of this trend, BAV noted that Bangladeshi exporters ship in bulk through established brands and retailers rather than dispatching millions of small individual parcels, meaning the country is not the direct target of these parcel-level duties. Instead, as the European market stops aggressively rewarding the lowest possible price point, consumer and buyer attention is shifting toward reliability, compliance, and overall value—areas where Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry holds strong competitive advantages.

Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) export earnings grew by 6.10 percent year-on-year to reach US $10.58 billion during the first quarter (July–September) of the fiscal year 2026–27, according to data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). During the July–September period, the European Union (EU) remained the single largest export destination for Bangladeshi apparel, accounting for 46.36 percent of total RMG exports. Earnings from the EU market stood at $4.90 billion, registering a positive year-on-year growth of 3.33 percent. The United States retained its position as the second-largest individual market for Bangladesh's RMG products. Exports to the USA amounted to $2.22 billion, representing 20.99 percent of total apparel shipments and a strong 10.40 percent year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, exports to the United Kingdom reached $1.29 billion, capturing a 12.21 percent market share with a 5.94 percent growth rate. Canada accounted for $349.65 million (3.31 percent share), posting a 3.85 percent increase compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. Exports to non-traditional markets demonstrated robust momentum, surging to $1.81 billion. Non-traditional destinations now account for 17.13 percent of total RMG shipments, reflecting a 9.40 percent year-on-year growth. In terms of product categories within the apparel basket, the knitwear sector performed strongly with a 6.88 percent growth, while the woven segment posted a 5.11 percent increase during the July–September quarter. The EPB data analysis by Mohiuddin Rubel, CEO of Apparel Voice, a think tank on RMG market analysis. He said that despite different global and domestic challenges, Bangladesh’s export increased in a positive trend.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) PLC and Swisscontact jointly organized a workshop titled “Expanding RMG’s Financing Horizons: Opportunities in the Capital Market” at the DSE Training Academy on Wednesday to explore long-term capital market financing for the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The event brought together senior officials from leading member institutions of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), along with key capital market stakeholders. Delivering the opening remarks, DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar emphasized that the capital market serves as a vital source of long-term financing for economic growth and private sector expansion. She stressed the need to expand beyond initial public offerings (IPOs) and equity markets into bond markets, calling for effective measures to bridge the gap between private sector financing demands and capital market capacity.  She added that DSE is actively working to build a transparent, business-friendly market by identifying regulatory constraints and addressing entrepreneur needs. Farzana Amin, Team Leader of Swisscontact’s PROGRESS project, stated that Swisscontact plans to provide end-to-end support to RMG companies interested in entering the capital market, with a goal to develop several role-model firms over the next year to encourage wider participation. BKMEA Deputy Secretary Md. Harunur Rashid noted that Bangladeshi industrial enterprises remain heavily dependent on bank loans, which restricts expansion. He highlighted the capital market as an effective alternative for long-term financing that can accelerate growth and job creation, provided listed companies maintain sustainable business practices to retain investor confidence. Iftekhar Alam, President of the Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association (BMBA) and CEO of LankaBangla Investments, presented on listing processes, equity capital raising, valuation, and qualification criteria for both Main Board IPOs and SME Board Qualified Investor Offers (QIO). Additionally, Sayeed Mahmud Zubaer, General Manager of DSE's Market Development Division, delivered a presentation on capital market structures, DSE infrastructure, bond markets, direct listing opportunities, and corporate governance benefits. During the closing session, DSE Chief Technology Officer Dr. Md. Asifur Rahman stated that DSE is offering one-to-one counseling and advisory services to guide entrepreneurs through the listing process. Bidowra Tahmin Khan, Team Leader of Swisscontact’s INSPIRE project, added that Swisscontact will coordinate with DSE, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), and other stakeholders to offer technical and advisory support to promising RMG and textile companies. The workshop was also attended by Swisscontact Bangladesh Deputy Country Director Syeda Ishrat Fatima, alongside senior representatives from DSE and partner organizations.  

Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) exports grew 5.12 percent year-on-year to around $7.5 billion in the first two months of fiscal year 2026-27, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). Exports stood at $7.13 billion during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. According to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data compiled by Bangladesh Apparel Voice, knitwear exports grew at a faster pace than woven garments. Knitwear shipments rose by 6.17 percent to $4.19 billion, while woven garment exports increased by 3.81 percent to $3.3 billion. The United States led growth among major single-country destinations, with exports rising 11.42 percent to $1.612 billion. Its share of Bangladesh's total garment exports increased to 21.52 percent from 20.30 percent. Non-traditional markets grew almost as rapidly, rising by 6.48 percent to $1.22 billion and expanding their total export share. Among non-traditional destinations, Turkey registered the fastest growth in the dataset as exports nearly doubled, surging 94.68 percent to $99.98 million. Brazil and the United Arab Emirates also recorded strong gains, increasing by 34.37 percent and 24.21 percent, respectively. Conversely, exports declined sharply to Russia (-33.95 percent), China (-16.04 percent), and India (-7.64 percent). The EU remained Bangladesh's largest single destination bloc, but grew by just 2.46 percent to $3.49 billion, causing its market share to slip from 47.82 percent to 46.61 percent. Within the EU, Germany was the largest buyer at $804.74 million, remaining essentially flat with a 0.88 percent growth. The Netherlands (+8.47 percent) and Spain (+11.61 percent) posted solid gains, whereas France (-5.39 percent) and Portugal (-18.93 percent) experienced notable declines. Among other traditional destinations, exports to the United Kingdom rose by 3.74 percent, while shipments to Canada grew by 3.37 percent, with both countries roughly maintaining their market shares.  

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Monday said the Companies Act 1994 needs to be amended and updated in line with the changing times, as the legal framework has seen only minor changes since its enactment. Speaking as the chief guest at a stakeholder consultation on the draft amendments to the Companies Act, 1994 at the FBCCI boardroom in the city, he said good examples could be drawn from countries where business rules and regulations are being implemented effectively to simplify trade practices in Bangladesh. The dialogue was organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). The minister said the Companies Act has undergone only two minor reforms since it was enacted in 1994, and stressed the need to make the law more effective and business-friendly in line with the changing times. There is no need to spend excessive time devising an entirely new model, he said, noting that many countries, including Singapore, already have effective laws and regulations governing company operations and business, whose experiences could be reviewed to adopt a suitable framework for Bangladesh. Muktadir told business representatives that before amending the Companies Act, a thorough review of how similar laws function in other countries is necessary, following which amendment proposals should be made based on the opinions and experiences of businesspeople. Noting that businesspeople have sought 30 days to give their opinions on the draft amendments, he said if more time is needed, it could be extended to 60 days. However, the minister said formulating a good and realistic proposal is more important than the time it takes. He said there is no need to rush the amendment process. “Proposed and existing laws of different countries need to be compared, following which a framework should be built with advice from businesspeople to make doing business in the country easier and improve the investment climate.” Muktadir further said the government has set a number of targets for implementation over the next three years, keeping in mind Bangladesh's graduation from the group of least developed countries (LDCs). There are various challenges in achieving these targets, he said, adding that the Companies Act amendment is only a part of that larger action plan. Highlighting the importance of the private sector in the country's economy, the minister said the private sector is the main driving force of the economy, and creating a suitable environment for entrepreneurs to conduct business smoothly is essential in keeping pace with the times. He also noted that the government did not inherit substantial foreign currency reserves, a significant revenue surplus, or adequate budget allocations when it took office, while private sector entrepreneurs are also going through various challenges. "This is a time of change for all of us. We have to get through this period with a calm mind and good planning. We need to build a realistic platform and develop an effective framework for the future," Muktadir said. He also said discussions on reforms with businesspeople will continue, adding that the business community will be consulted before any major changes are introduced in the future. At the event, FBCCI Director Barrister Nihad Kabi presented various proposals, including one to make it mandatory for companies with annual income exceeding Tk 50 crore to appoint a company secretary. She also proposed that professionals such as chartered accountants, cost and management accountants, and company secretaries should not be allowed to represent companies. Proposals for changes to the Annual General Meetings (AGMs) of companies were also placed, suggesting that shareholders be notified at least 21 days before the AGM date is announced. A proposal was also made to allow flexibility in appointing independent directors in public limited companies other than listed ones. A businessperson present at the event proposed reducing the AGM notice period from 21 days to 14 days, a proposal supported by Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA). FBCCI Administrator Md Fazlul Hoque presided over the event, which was attended by representatives from various business organisations, regulatory bodies, stock exchanges, and audit firms.  

Bangladesh's merchandise exports rose 13.14 percent year-on-year to US$4.43 billion in August, up from $3.92 billion in the same month last year, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). Exports during the first two months of fiscal year 2026-27 also increased by 5.43 percent to $9.16 billion from $8.69 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. The ready-made garment (RMG) sector remained the main driver of export growth, with earnings rising 13.92 percent year-on-year to $3.89 billion in August. RMG exports during July-August grew 5.12 percent to $7.50 billion. Both major apparel segments posted strong growth in August. Knitwear exports increased 14.88 percent, taking cumulative growth for July-August to 6.17 percent, while woven garment exports rose 12.70 percent, pushing cumulative growth to 3.81 percent. Several non-RMG sectors also recorded double-digit growth in August, supporting efforts to diversify the country's export base. Jute and jute goods exports grew 37.09 percent in August and 22.26 percent during July-August. Pharmaceuticals surged 28.52 percent in August and 38.94 percent cumulatively. Leather and leather goods exports increased 24.85 percent in August, while printed materials grew 24.83 percent, with cumulative growth reaching 41.89 percent. Engineering products rose 23.88 percent, while other footwear exports increased 15.29 percent, with cumulative growth of 27.32 percent. The United States remained Bangladesh's largest export market, with exports to the country growing 26.09 percent in August and 11.90 percent during July-August. The United Kingdom regained its position as the second-largest export destination, followed by Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. Among emerging markets, exports to Türkiye rose 141.03 percent, while those to the Republic of Korea and Saudi Arabia increased 42.37 percent and 42.09 percent, respectively. The growth in export earnings was attributed to stronger demand in key international markets, improved buyer confidence, expanded production capacity, higher shipments of value-added products and efforts to diversify export destinations.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Overseas Chinese Association in Bangladesh (OCAIB) have launched a joint initiative to strengthen the upper supply chain and backward linkages of the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector by attracting foreign investment and modern technology. The decision was taken during a bilateral meeting between BGMEA leaders and a high-level OCAIB delegation at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara on Tuesday. The discussions focused on boosting Chinese investment in the apparel sector, introducing new capital and advanced technology into operational or closed factories, and facilitating strategic joint ventures. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan led the association’s delegation, accompanied by Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, and Directors Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Joarder Md Hosne Qumer Alam, and Samiha Asim. The OCAIB delegation included Vice President Lisa Lou, Vice President and Secretary General Vivian Huang, Executive Director Steven Zhang, and Secretary Tina Hu. During the meeting, Chinese representatives highlighted that foreign investment is crucial for strengthening and modernizing Bangladesh’s upper supply chain. They noted that while many Chinese companies are keenly interested in setting up factories, transferring technology, and expanding operations in Bangladesh, a lack of reliable, central information often delays decision-making. They sought active coordination and information support from BGMEA. In response, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan assured the delegation that BGMEA will collect detailed data from its member factories via email. Local factory owners who are seeking Chinese capital, modern technology, or full ownership/share transfers through joint venture partners will be asked to submit key information, including-Factory name and general details, Factory space and floor area, Description and quantity of machinery, Current operational status of the factory, Preferred type of partnership BGMEA will analyze the capabilities and profile of these factories before sharing the vetted data with OCAIB. Through this one-stop mechanism, BGMEA and OCAIB aim to build a direct business match-making link between prospective Chinese investors and local factory owners. The initiative is expected to revive closed or struggling factories while accelerating foreign direct investment in backward linkages and high-value garment manufacturing. BGMEA has requested interested factory owners and potential investors to submit their detailed proposals, according to a press release.

Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) exports began fiscal year 2026-27 with a strong month-on-month rebound, rising 14.73 percent to US$3.88 billion in July from $3.38 billion in June, although earnings were slightly lower than a year earlier, according to the latest data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). The July export earnings were 1.92 percent lower than the $3.96 billion recorded in July 2025, reflecting softer year-on-year performance despite the strong sequential recovery. RMG exports slip 0.63% to $19.34b in H1 2026: EPB A product-wise analysis reveals that knitwear continued to hold the lion's share of total apparel exports during the opening month of the fiscal year, generating $ 2.15 billion, accounting for over 55 percent of total RMG export earnings, while woven garments brought in $ 1.72 billion. Analysing the EPB performance figures, Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and chief executive officer of Bangladesh Apparel Voice and former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), noted that the strong sequential rebound from June demonstrates the sector's underlying resilience amid shifting global trade dynamics and demand fluctuations. Industry experts emphasise that maintaining operational efficiency and navigating tariff structures across primary Western markets will be crucial to sustaining momentum through the remainder of FY27.