“Made in Bangladesh” – 3 simple words; but the impacts of these words are quite big. This tag is seen on the inside of the clothes indicating the clothes being manufactured in Bangladesh. Our country is a significant player of the global apparel industry holding the position of second largest exporter.
The export journey of ours started at the time of independence with a pioneer who dreamt to make Bangladesh famous. He was Mr. Mohammad Reazuddin, the founder of Bangladesh’s first export-oriented readymade garment factory, who took an order of 10000 shirts to export to France in 1978.
That was the starting point. Ever since then, the number of export orders increased, the industry grew, and by the early 2000s, Bangladesh had made a name for itself as a major force in the global apparel industry.
The garment sector in Bangladesh is currently worth more than $40 billion and generates more than 80% of all export earnings. Bangladesh’s garment exports in 2020 were $28.14 billion, a mere 5.97% decline from the year before, despite the global epidemic.
FIFA officials used uniforms made in Bangladesh at the 2018 World Cup, solidifying the nation’s status as a significant clothing supplier.Bangladesh is now the second-largest exporter of ready-made clothing in the world, surpassing other textile behemoths like Turkey, India, and Vietnam.
Bangladesh’s inexpensive labor is one of the factors contributing to its success in the garment sector. There are many skilled and semi-skilled workers in Bangladesh, however they are paid less than their counterparts in other nations. Bangladesh is now a popular option for many fashion firms since it can create apparel more affordably than its rivals.
The Bangladeshi government has also taken initiative to foster an advantageous business environment for foreign companies. To encourage foreign investment, the government has implemented a number of initiatives, including tax breaks, the duty-free importation of capital equipment, and streamlined customs procedures.
“Made in Bangladesh” – this tag has made Bangladesh known to the entire world. Appreciation must be given to those garment workers who dedicate themselves for such quality production. However, those unsung heroes suffer a lot. Often Times they are exploited by the factory owners. We have witnessed the sufferings of the garment workers in the Rana Plaza tragedy and many other tragic accidents.
The workers with whose dedication and hardwork made Bangladesh a significant player of the global apparel industry, they should be valued properly right? Hope concerned authorities will put more emphasis on their well-being.
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Writer
Kaneta Islam
Intern
Content Writing Department, YSSE