Despite being a significant contributor to the country’s economy, the garment sector in Bangladesh faces several challenges in not only sustaining growth but also navigating complex political equations and competition from other countries. 

Last month, fuelled by dissatisfaction with a government-imposed pay increase, hundreds of garment workers in the country took to the streets, leading to the closure of nearly 40 factories. . .

Shahid Soorty, CEO, Soorty Group, notes, the strikes have increased the risk profile of business in Bangladesh, leading to retailers tempering their orders to the nation. In Q1 FY23,

Bangladeshi readymade garment traders also view the recently received letter from eight US Congressmen on minimum wage as a conspiracy against the export-oriented sector. The traders suspect it to be an attempt to destabilise the sector by capitalising on two days of workers’ unrest.

A few garment industry experts believe that various domestic and foreign conspiracies are taking place in the sector. There are rumors of slapping a sanction on the RMG sector amid ongoing political unrest are being exploited to provoke unrest.

According to Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, Vice-President, BGMEA, a vested quarter is creating these disturbances in the country's garment sector.

Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Vice-President, BGMEA, adds, the diplomatic mission in Bangladesh needs to urgently meet r buyers and make them understand that the messages being sent about Bangladesh's garment sector are wrong.

 Business leaders have called for the appointment of strong lobbyists to prevent rumours and misinformation about the sector. They urged diplomatic missions to work actively, engaging with buyers to correct any misinformation and present a more accurate picture of the situation.