The readymade garment (RMG) sector in Bangladesh is optimistic about a promising 2025 following a challenging 2024 that tested its resilience. Industry insiders point to signs of recovery in the global retail market as Western buyers return, aided by easing inflation in key markets like Europe and America.
Faruque Hassan, former president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), emphasised the importance of addressing domestic issues like corruption and customs inefficiencies to capitalise on potential growth. He noted that improvements in workplace safety and sustainability have bolstered buyer confidence.
Mohiuddin Rubel, another BGMEA leader, expressed optimism for qualitative shifts in the industry, particularly in activewear and non-cotton products. However, he cautioned that ongoing challenges, including energy crises and banking sector instability, must be tackled for sustained progress.
Despite a tumultuous year marked by political upheaval and labor unrest, the RMG sector achieved a 6.23 per cent increase in export earnings, totaling US $ 34.71 billion from January to November 2024. This growth reflects resilience amid significant hurdles.
As Bangladesh continues to prioritise sustainability—evidenced by the certification of 26 new green factories in 2024—the industry is poised for potential recovery and job creation in 2025, provided it can navigate existing challenges effectively.
