For the local apparel industry, 2024 was a year marked by challenges, recoveries and a renewed sense of hope as the global market began to brighten -- proving once again the resilience of Bangladesh’s apparel might.

Even with low productivity, a Bangladeshi worker working an average of 14-15 hours a day produces $1,400 or more a month.

Reports of GBV, harassment in factories can no longer be ignored

There is no doubt that automation can be both a threat and an opportunity for our garment industry and its workers, depending on how it is implemented and managed.

British retail giant Primark’s CEO Paul Marchant has praised the development Bangladesh’s garment sector has achieved in production of apparels in green factories.

“At least the pandemic has subsided and people are coming back to the stores. We reserved a moderate collection for Baishakh, especially for consumers who want to celebrate the occasion with fervour,” said Khalid Mahmood Khan, owner of home-grown apparel store Kay Kraft.

The ready-made garment (RMG) sector in Bangladesh has enjoyed rapid growth, with the country now well established as the world's second largest supplier of apparel and with the industry accounting for 83 percent of Bangladesh's exports, employing some 4.4 million people.