Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector is the country’s economic lifeline. It is facing a growing threat as international buyers begin shifting orders to competing nations amid rising political uncertainty and persistent energy disruptions.
Exporters and trade body leaders warned that gas shortages, prolonged power outages, and shipment delays are eroding global confidence in Bangladesh’s reliability as a sourcing destination. The issue dominated a seminar titled “Current Challenges in the Garment Sector and the Way Forward”, organised by the Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBA) at the Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.
“Factories are struggling to operate with three to four hours of load-shedding every day, while gas shortages continue to disrupt production. Many exporters are being forced to rely on expensive air shipments just to meet buyers’ deadlines,” said Mohammed Zakir Hossain, Secretary General, BGBA.
Participants noted that small and medium-sized garment factories are suffering the most, as limited capital makes it difficult for them to absorb shipment losses or maintain competitiveness.
“We are going through a difficult time because of the ongoing uncertainty. If these challenges are not resolved soon, the situation will worsen, and we risk losing long-term buyers,” cautioned Mohammad Rashed, Vice President, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).
Md Mofazzal Hosen Pabel, President, BGBA, who chaired the seminar, urged swift government intervention to stabilise energy supply and restore buyer confidence in Bangladesh’s apparel industry, which accounts for more than 84% of the country’s export earnings.
