Bangladesh is likely to face more hurdles in the race to grab a bigger share of the global apparel market as the Indian government plans to step up its financial assistance to garment exporters.

The share of women working in Bangladesh’s garment industry decreased over the past decade, with female participation falling to 53 percent in 2023 from 56 percent in 2014, according to a recent study.

International clothing retailers and brands have suggested that local garment suppliers produce more value-added garment items for better prices as work orders may rebound after the general election of the country next year.

Better wages cannot be introduced by any one actor alone.

Latest survey finding on labour rights in Bangladesh is concerning

Despite the Russia-Ukraine war and a ban on some banks on the use of global payments messaging network SWIFT, apparel shipment from Bangladesh to Russia has largely remained unscathed because of the use of alternative routes and payment channels, exporters say. 

Time will tell whether Bangladesh’s garment industry has its Wonder Woman. Last month, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) elected its first female president: Rubana Huq, managing director of the Mohammadi Group.