Due to power shifts, political instability, and an energy crisis, 185 ready-made garment factories in the country have shut down over the past year, leaving thousands of workers unemployed. Export earnings have fallen by 6 percent in the last two months. The Bangladesh Garments & Buying House Association (BGBA) has called for coordinated action to ensure sustainable production. This information was shared during a press briefing at the association’s office in the capital on Sunday.
BGBA President Mofazzal Hossain Pavel stated that the continuous closure of factories and production declines have reduced foreign buyers’ interest, leading to fewer export orders. He noted that ready-made garment exports have decreased by 5 to 6 percent over the past two months. Contributing factors include high US tariffs, the global economic slowdown, and domestic political uncertainty, all of which are putting pressure on the industry.
The association also highlighted that Bangladesh’s presence at international garment fairs has diminished compared to previous years. While entrepreneurs participate, many representatives associated with production and buying houses are not given the opportunity to attend, affecting the promotion of Bangladesh’s brands abroad.
BGBA leaders warned that without a rapid resolution of production challenges, securing new orders will become increasingly difficult. They emphasized that effective government intervention is now crucial to sustain industrial production and exports. The association believes that close coordination between producers and buying houses is essential for sustainable industrialization and urged the government and relevant stakeholders to work together to find solutions.