Readymade Garment (Export)

Bangladesh has emerged as a significant player in the global garment industry, securing its position as the second-largest garment exporter worldwide. The “Made in Bangladesh” tag has also brought glory to the country, making it a prestigious brand across the globe. In 2022-23, the export value of ready-made garments (RMG) in Bangladesh amounted to 46.99 billion U.S. dollar which is 84.58% of total export earnings. The sector alone directly employs more than 4 million skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers. The country’s population density and low wage rates attracted international apparel brands and manufacturers seeking to optimize production costs. This competitive advantage allowed Bangladesh to offer affordable clothing to consumers worldwide, fostering sustained demand for its products.

While the growth of Bangladesh’s garment industry has been remarkable, it has not been without challenges. The sector has faced criticism and scrutiny over issues such as labour rights, workplace safety, and environmental sustainability. After the Incidents such as the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, highlighted the need for improved safety standards and worker welfare. International pressure and advocacy have since led to increased awareness and efforts to address these issues.

The majority of the workers in this sector are women and most of them come from rural areas and 90% of them are illiterate. In the garment working place, the workers faced several problems such as gender-based violence, insufficient wage, lack of training, automation etc. Moreover, we were forced to face new challenges such as geopolitical tensions, a downward global economy, fears of another recession, etc. In 2024, Bangladesh once again has to combat both local and global challenges to maintain the growth momentum we have achieved and excel even further.