United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh's apparel exports to the European Union (EU) witnessed a notable surge, reaching US$8.07 billion during the January-April period of 2025, up significantly from $6.51 billion in the same period of 2024. This impressive growth represents a 23.98 percent rise in the country’s readymade garment (RMG) exports, largely fuelled by a 19.71 percent increase in export volume. According to Eurostat, the EU’s global apparel imports also saw substantial growth in the first four months of 2025, rising by 14.21 percent to a total of $32.49 billion. This overall rise was accompanied by a notable 15.84 percent increase in volume, despite a slight 1.41 percent drop in average unit prices. Bangladesh's RMG exports show moderate growth, EU remains key market Bangladesh’s performance is particularly commendable for its rising unit prices across various categories within the EU, even as China maintains its leading position and Vietnam continues to post strong results. The sector, however, faces several challenges, including growing tensions in the US market and intensifying competition from China within the EU. Besides, the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel poses significant concerns for businesses, causing trade disruptions and increased operational costs. Industry experts stress the importance of Bangladesh maintaining its competitive edge and planning strategically for sustained growth in the EU market. This includes strict compliance with forthcoming EU regulations, which are expected to influence the volume of work orders from 2025 onwards. At the same time, continued efforts to explore new markets are considered vital for diversifying Bangladesh’s export portfolio and reducing dependence on the EU and US markets. A comparative analysis of major apparel exporters to the EU during this period reveals substantial growth among several countries: China’s apparel exports to the EU reached $8.39 billion, up from $6.90 billion in the same period of 2024—an increase of 21.49 percent in value and a notable 7.37 percent rise in unit price.Vietnam posted a 15.62 percent growth, with exports totalling $1.48 billion, alongside a 5.68 percent increase in unit price. Bangladeshi apparel exports to US market grow slightly amid global market pressure India, Pakistan, and Cambodia recorded exports of $2.01 billion, $1.42 billion, and $1.56 billion respectively, with growth rates of 20.58 percent, 23.42 percent, and 31.78 percent. In contrast, Turkey experienced a 5.41 percent decline in apparel exports to the EU, totalling $3.10 billion during January-April 2025.

A three-day candidate introduction meeting for the upcoming BGMEA elections 2025-2027 has begun in Dhaka, organised by BGMEA and overseen by the BGMEA Election Board. The event aims to facilitate interaction between candidates and voters in the Dhaka region. The meeting was held at the BGMEA Complex auditorium in Dhaka's Uttara on Saturday. BGMEA to prepare garment supply chain for EU Market compliance Candidates (ballot numbers 1-35), led by Mahmud Hasan Khan (Babu), Managing Director of Rising Fashions and the Forum’s panel leader, introduced themselves and their election manifestos to voters. The event was attended by former BGMEA Presidents Anisur Rahman Sinha and Anwar ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), along with other senior leaders of the Forum. Former BGMEA President Dr. Rubana Huq also delivered a video message. BGMEA election to be held May 28 The session was presided over by Mohammad Iqbal, Chairman of the BGMEA Election Board and former Chairman of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC). Members of the Election Board and a large number of voters were present. In his address, Mohammad Iqbal thanked the candidates and urged all parties to cooperate for a smooth election process.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has signed an MoU with two institutions to introduce blockchain-enabled Digital Product Passport (DPP) system in the Bangladeshi garment industry. DigiProd Pass Ltd. and Digital Architect, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard at BGMEA complex at Uttara on Saturday. This initiative is signifying a major step forward in the industry’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and alignment with international regulatory standards, said BGMEA. The MoU was signed by BGMEA Administrator Anwar Hossain, Salauddin Sohag, Managing Director of DigiProd Pass Ltd., and Dr. Fahim Chowdhury, CEO of Digital Architect and Technovative Solutions Limited. Over the 24-month pilot Project, BGMEA will onboard selected garment manufacturers and coordinate data provision and integration support. DigiProd Pass Ltd. will lead the technical development and implementation of the DPP platform, while Digital Architect will act as the local technology partner, delivering services such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), data collection, system deployment, training, and integration. The pilot initiative seeks to assess the feasibility of designing, developing, and implementing a Digital Product Passport (DPP)—a digital tool aimed at enhancing traceability and accountability throughout the garment value chain.  By capturing and sharing verified data on a product’s lifecycle, environmental footprint, and sustainability performance, the DPP is positioned to strengthen Bangladesh’s competitive edge in the global apparel market. The urgency of this pilot project is underscored by the fact that a very significant percentage (almost 60%) of Bangladesh’s garment exports are destined for the European market, making the EU the country’s single largest apparel market. As such, compliance with evolving EU standards is not optional—it is essential. The DPP is a fundamental requirement under the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), adopted by the European Parliament in April 2024, with phased implementation beginning in 2026.  This legislation will mandate that textile and other high-impact products entering the EU market carry a digital passport containing data on sustainability, durability, and environmental impact. For Bangladesh, which is the second-largest garment exporter globally, embracing DPP now is a strategic move to safeguard and future-proof its access to the EU market. This pilot project’s core objectives include evaluating the technical and operational viability of the DPP system, promoting transparency and traceability in garment production, supporting adherence to sustainability and regulatory standards, and training relevant stakeholders while assessing the system’s potential for broader industry-wide adoption. 

The Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) has set up a control room to closely monitor labour conditions and address workers’ unrest in both RMG and non-RMG sectors ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.  The workers can report grievances by calling the toll-free labour helpline at 16357, according to a press release issued by the ministry on Tuesday.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has announced the election schedule for its new board of directors for the term 2025-2027. Polling for the 35 director positions will take place on May 28, according to a BGMEA press release issued on Saturday. BGMEA administrator’s tenure extended by 4 months   March 29 was set as the deadline for members to clear any outstanding dues. To be included in the voter list, members must submit their nominations by April 6, it said. The deadline for director candidates to submit their nomination papers is April 24, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations is May 6. BGMEA chief stresses fair pricing for industry sustainability BGMEA urged its members to contact Mahmudul Hasan, secretary of the Election Board and director of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), for further information regarding the election.

Bangladesh's Ready-Made Garment (RMG) exports have shown moderate growth, with the European Union remaining a key market, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) for the July-January period of the fiscal year 2024-25. The EU represented 50.15% of Bangladesh’s total RMG exports, with a total value of US$11.81 billion, Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of BGMEA, said on Sunday while sharing the data. Shipments to the United States reached US$4.47 billion, accounting for 18.99% of the total share, while the UK market was also significant, with exports valued at US$2.5 billion, equivalent to 10.83% of Bangladesh's total RMG exports during the specified timeframe. In terms of growth, our RMG exports to the EU expanded by 13.91% year-over-year, with the USA showing a robust increase of 16.45%. The RMG exports to the UK, however, grew at a more modest rate of 4.55%. Bangladeshi apparel exports to US market grow slightly amid global market pressure Within the EU, Germany emerged as a key market, with Bangladesh’s exports amounting to US$2.97 billion, trailed by Spain at US$2 billion, France at US$1.28 billion, and the Netherlands at US$1.25 billion. The growth rates were particularly notable in Germany (13.47%), the Netherlands (27.3%), Poland (13.7%), Denmark (18.56%), and Sweden (26.7%). Bangladesh's RMG sector also demonstrated growth in non-traditional markets, with an overall increase of 6.42%, signaling potential for further expansion. Among these markets, Japan led with imports totaling US$721 million, followed by Australia at US$512 million, and India at US$427 million. Exports to countries like Turkey and Mexico are also significant, amounting to US$263 million and US$208 million, respectively. While growth in Japan, Australia, India, Turkey, and Mexico is encouraging during this period, exports to Russia, Korea, China, UAE, and Malaysia have declined. The continued growth in exports is heavily reliant on the EU and USA, which remain the primary markets for Bangladesh, highlighting further potential within these regions. The ongoing global trade tensions are reshaping the landscape, presenting opportunities that Bangladesh could capitalize on, provided we possess the necessary productive capacity. Concurrently, there should be a concerted focus on investments in backward linkages to support and enhance our RMG sector's competitiveness and growth potential.

The latest data on annual US apparel imports, covering 2024, show the performance of major supplying countries in the global apparel market. Despite a modest overall growth in US apparel imports, with a 1.82% increase in value and a 5.88% rise in volume, there was a notable 3.83% decrease in average unit prices, indicating a competitive market with downward pressure on pricing, Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of BGMEA, said while sharing the data. Bangladesh managed to hold its ground, achieving a slight 0.73% increase in export value to the US, reaching US$7.34 billion. US delegation with focus on workers' rights visits BGMEA The country also experienced a 4.86% growth in export volume. However, similar to the overall market trend, Bangladesh faced a 3.94% decline in unit price, which has a direct impact on profitability. In comparison to other key apparel exporting countries, Bangladesh's performance was moderate. Vietnam showed a robust 5.67% increase in value and a 9.47% rise in volume, while India demonstrated significant growth with a 4.95% increase in value and a 13.09% rise in volume. Cambodia stood out with a remarkable 14.48% increase in value and an 18.45% growth in volume, highlighting its competitive edge in the market. BGMEA chief stresses fair pricing for industry sustainability On the other hand, Mexico and Korea faced challenges, with Mexico experiencing a 6.78% decrease in value and a 15.18% drop in volume, and Korea seeing a 12.94% reduction in value and a 5.56% decrease in volume. As Bangladesh has shown a relatively slower growth in its export to the US compared to the major suppliers, it underscores the need for strategic initiatives to address the issues and declining competitiveness. While the escalating trade tensions present potential opportunities for Bangladesh, it is imperative that we proactively address our own challenges and limitations to seize these advantages effectively.  

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.