Political Unrest: Garment Orders Shift to Other Countries

Due to ongoing political uncertainty, gas shortages, and electricity crises, many new orders in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector are shifting to neighboring and competing countries. Industry insiders warn that if the current situation persists, export growth will suffer and the overall economy could face severe repercussions.

Stakeholders emphasized that without political stability, a steady energy supply, and improved infrastructure, the future of the garment industry will remain in jeopardy.

These observations came on Sunday at a seminar titled “Current Challenges and the Way Forward”, organized by the Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBHA) at the Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. The session was chaired by BGBHA President Md. Mofazzal Hossain Pavel.

Speakers noted that political unrest, frequent blockades, power outages, and gas crises are preventing factories from meeting production deadlines. Consequently, many exporters have been compelled to use costly air freight to meet buyers’ schedules, driving up export costs and straining the finances of small and medium-sized factories.

BKMEA Vice President Mohammad Rashed said,

“We are going through a difficult time. Due to the country’s uncertainty, international buyers are reluctant to place new orders. If the situation does not improve soon, the crisis will only worsen.”

BGBHA Secretary General Mohammad Zakir Hossain stated,

“Production is being severely disrupted due to gas shortages and three to four hours of daily load-shedding.
Goods cannot be shipped on time, forcing businesses to rely on air freight, resulting in major financial losses.”

He urged the government to adopt a clear roadmap to achieve the $100 billion export target by 2030.

BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell said,

“The textile and garment sector contributes more than 85% of national exports, yet we are not being given opportunities to engage with senior government officials. This has created frustration among investors.”

He added that the recent fire at Dhaka Airport has tarnished the country’s image and slowed the inflow of new orders.

BGMEA Director Faisal Samad remarked,

“Gas and power shortages, airport complications, and bureaucratic barriers have turned the garment sector into a crisis management industry.”

He also criticized the government’s decision to reduce the minimum number of workers required to form a trade union from 50 to 20.

Former BGMEA Director Shovon Islam said,

“Export orders are also being affected by U.S. tariff policies and ongoing labor-related issues.”

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said,

“If our party comes to power, we will seek to extend the LDC graduation period to give businesses more time to adapt.”

He added,

“Under the current government, some businessmen have looted money from the banking sector, weakening the financial system. To restore business confidence, we need investment-friendly policies and administrative reforms.”

Khosru further stated,

“If we assume office, we will establish a private sector–driven growth model and an export-oriented economy by removing unnecessary barriers and simplifying business processes.”

BTMA President Slams Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary

BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell strongly criticized the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, saying he “talks like a madman.”

Referring to recent reports that BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu had been unable to secure a meeting with the Chief Adviser, Russell said,

“It’s unfortunate that the BGMEA president hasn’t been granted an appointment with the Chief Adviser. Then why take on this responsibility?”

He added,

“The same political games we saw under the previous government are starting again.”

Addressing the Press Secretary directly, Russell said,

“We are suffering — factories are shutting down, and people are losing their jobs. Don’t you see what’s happening?”

He continued,

“When airports catch fire, do you think foreign buyers will place orders here? The damage to our reputation is enormous.”

He urged the government,

“Give us relief through an election.”

Russell also criticized the Press Secretary’s online behavior, saying,

“He has a Facebook page where he posts inappropriate comments that embarrass others. If the right people aren’t in the right positions, the right decisions will never be made.”