United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has achieved a 17.9 percent growth in ready-made garment (RMG) exports to the European Union (EU) during the first six months of the current  year. Despite this achievement, the growth rate surpasses the EU's overall import increase, but it still lags behind key competitors like China and Cambodia. According to a recent Eurostat report, Bangladesh exported 10.29 billion euros worth of apparel to the EU market from January to June, a 17.9 percent rise from the 8.73 billion euros recorded during the same period last year. Overall, EU apparel imports grew by 12.3 percent to 43.39 billion euros, up from 38.64 billion euros in the previous year. This robust growth has solidified Bangladesh's position as the second-largest apparel supplier in the EU market. However, the country (Bangladesh) faces tough competition from its Asian counterparts, China and Cambodia. China maintained its position as the top exporter, with its exports increasing by 22.3 percent to 11.26 billion euros. Cambodia recorded the fastest growth, with its exports soaring by 30.4 percent to 2.07 billion euros. Garments workers' salary, festival bonus demanded before Eid Despite trailing China and Cambodia in growth rate, Bangladesh outperformed its main regional rivals. India's exports stood at 2.70 billion euros, a 15.4 percent increase from 2.34 billion euros the previous year. Pakistan's exports rose by 16.6 percent to 1.86 billion euros from 1.59 billion euros. Vietnam also saw a healthy increase, with exports reaching 2.02 billion euros, up 17.3 percent from 1.73 billion euros a year ago. In contrast, Turkey experienced a negative trend, with its exports declining by 7 percent to 4.27 billion euros, reflecting a decrease in demand of Turkey items in the EU market. In a comprehensive comparison, Bangladesh's 17.9 percent growth rate is stronger than the EU average and surpasses that of India, Pakistan, and Vietnam. However, falling behind China and Cambodia signals a growing intensity of competition in the EU market.

Bangladesh’s economy closed fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) with mixed outcomes, showing modest recovery signs but still facing significant structural challenges , according to the latest review by the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). Based on data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the review highlighted that GDP growth improved to 4.86% in the third quarter from 4.48% in the previous quarter. Besides, point-to-point inflation eased to 8.48% in June although average annual inflation remained high at 10.03%. Export earnings and remittance inflows rose in the last quarter, contributing to the stabilisation of foreign currency reserves but slow private sector credit growth, weak investment, and ongoing banking sector problems continued to weigh on economic momentum. The agriculture sector expanded by 2.42% in Q3, up from 1.25% in Q2 while services growth accelerated to 5.88% from 3.78%. Industry growth slowed slightly to 6.91%, said the review. In external trade, FY25 exports grew 8.58% year-on-year to US$48.28 billion, while imports rose 5.31% to US$63.96 billion in July-May. Remittances surged 26.83% to US$30.33 billion. MCCI urges NBR to abolish cash transaction in company tax The current account deficit narrowed sharply to US$432 million in July-May from US$6.12 billion a year earlier. On the fiscal side, NBR’s tax revenue rose 2.23% to Tk.370,874 crore but fell nearly 20% short of the annual target. Annual Development Programme (ADP) implementation hit a 20-year low at 67.85%. The foreign exchange market saw the Taka depreciate by 3.89% against the US dollar over the year, ending June 2025 at Tk.122.77 per US$. Reserves stood at US$31.77 billion on a gross basis, or US$26.74 billion under the BPM6 standard. MCCI said reforms in banking, better investment conditions, and sustained export and remittance growth will be key to achieving stronger recovery in the coming fiscal year.

A delegation from Kmart, Australia’s largest single apparel buyer, met with the President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Mahmud Hasan Khan, on Monday to discuss opportunities for collaboration in building a sustainable garment industry. The meeting took place at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka. The Kmart delegation included Tristram Gray, head of corporate affairs; Albert Young, head of ethical sourcing; and Obaid Gazi, ethical sourcing manager for Kmart Australia & New Zealand, as well as targeting Australia. Senior officials from BGMEA, including Senior Vice President Inamul Haque Khan and other Vice Presidents and Directors, also attended the meeting. During the discussion, Kmart's Tristram Gray stated that the company values its long-standing business relationship with Bangladesh and is committed to increasing collaboration in new areas in the future. The discussions focused on BGMEA's priorities for building a sustainable industry and how Kmart can support these initiatives. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted that sustainability is a key priority for the association. He noted that his board-initiated dialogues with all worker federations to foster good industrial relations and shared other measures BGMEA has taken for the welfare of workers. He also spoke about BGMEA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the industry's competitiveness through technological development, innovation, and skills enhancement. Bangladesh well-positioned in new era of trade wars: BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan The BGMEA president emphasized the need for a Unified Code of Conduct for the garment industry and sought Kmart's cooperation in its formulation. He explained that a unified code would simplify the audit process, reduce pressure on factories, and make the industry more ethical, sustainable, and responsible. Both parties also discussed strategies to increase garment exports from Bangladesh to Australia, which is considered a promising market due to Bangladesh's duty-free market access. The BGMEA President urged Kmart to strengthen its partnerships with suppliers to help them diversify their product offerings and enhance production capabilities. Other topics included organizing trade fairs and sending trade delegations to Australia to expand the market. The Kmart delegation offered to facilitate communication between any BGMEA trade delegation and Australian government policymakers. Kmart has been sourcing garments from Bangladesh for a long time. BGMEA requested Kmart to help promote the strengths, capabilities, and sustainable development of Bangladesh’s garment industry.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has announced a general holiday for all ready-made garment (RMG) factories on August 5 to observe 'July Uprising Day'. The association stated that the decision was made to show solidarity with the government-declared national holiday and to pay tribute to the martyrs of the movement, according to a press release. The BGMEA clarified that, although the government has declared August 5 a general holiday, it is not legally mandatory for garment factories to close. According to the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, and the Labour Rules, 2015, RMG factories are only required to observe 11 days of festival holidays annually. They are not obligated to follow additional general holidays. However, the organisation urged all member factories to close on August 5 "in memory of the martyrs and honor of the government's decision." August 5 is observed in Bangladesh as 'July Uprising Day,' a significant day commemorating the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the movement to re-establish democracy.  

A delegation from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) distributed relief materials to 500 flood-affected families in Fulgazi and Parashuram upazilas of Feni district on Saturday. BGMEA Directors Majumdar Arifur Rahman and Dr. Rashid Ahamed Hossaini led the distribution, according to a press release issued by the association. The relief packages included essential items such as rice, pulses, soybean oil, onions, potatoes, salt, puffed rice (muri), jaggery, and turmeric and chili powder.

Bangladesh has solidified its position as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing, now proudly owning 253 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified readymade garment (RMG) factories. According to the latest update, three more factories in the country have recently earned LEED certification. These are Comfit Rainbow Dyeing and Finishing in Gorai, Mirzapur, Tangail, and Saiham Cotton Mills Limited Unit-1 and Unit-2 located in Nayapara, Saihamnagar, Madhabpur, Habiganj. LEED certification, awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), recognizes buildings and factories that meet stringent standards in green building practices, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. Bangladesh now proudly holds 9 of the top 10, and 68 of the top 100 highest-rated LEED-certified factories in the world. Out of the 253 LEED-certified factories in the country, 105 have achieved Platinum status—the highest level—while 132 have been awarded Gold and 12 have received Silver certification. This milestone reflects Bangladesh’s growing commitment to environmentally responsible industrial practices and positions the country as a frontrunner in sustainable garment manufacturing on the global stage.

Bangladesh and the United States discussed issues of mutual interest with particular focus on trade, commerce, and the ongoing tariff negotiations, specifically the steep rise in rates announced by President Donald Trump, during Thursday's much-anticipated meeting between the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and a delegation from Dhaka led by Commerce Adviser Sk.Bashir Uddin. Despite platitudes on offer from the CA's Press Wing, the most important takeaway following Thursday's meeting is that there was no breakthrough in negotiations over the 35% tariff on Bangladeshi goods announced by Trump, that will be effective from Aug. 1. Nor is there any indication of a breakthrough being imminent. In the event, the two sides were left to reiterate a 'commitment to work together for shared benefits', as the Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad put it early Friday, noting that the Commerce Adviser met with USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer at the latter's office on Thursday at 11am local time (9pm Bangladesh). The second day of three-day tariff talks between Bangladesh and the United States ended Thursday in Washington, DC. Azad said the talks were "comprehensive, touching upon almost all the key aspects of the trade relationships between the two nations." The Commerce Adviser is leading the Bangladeshi delegation in Washington.  National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, and the Chief Adviser's Special Assistant on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, joined the talks virtually from Dhaka. Senior Commerce Ministry officials also attended the meeting in the US capital.  Senior US officials from USTR, agriculture, labour affairs, environment and natural resources, Treasury, innovation & intellectual property and investment agencies, joined the meeting. The last round of talks (for now) will be held on Friday. At this stage though, chances of securing any reduction to the rate Trump announced in his letter to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus earlier in the week, appear next to nil.

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.