Beximco's problems are evidence of a number of ongoing problems in the garment industry.
A potential shift in US-China trade relations is a rare chance for Bangladesh to take a giant leap forward in the global garment trade.
I believe COP29 holds major promise for the future of circularity and sustainability in Bangladesh’s RMG sector.
The challenges are multifaceted, from a heavy reliance on fossil fuels to inefficiencies within factory operations.
Bangladesh is at a critical crossroads in its energy policy.
The Bangladesh Climate Action Forum 2024 which recently concluded in Dhaka was a huge success and surpassed all expectations.
To maintain its position as a global leader in the garment industry, Bangladesh must prioritise unity and stability.
We need to look at what the business community needs from our state and non-state institutions.
Targets for carbon emissions are closing in fast on some of Bangladesh's largest trading partners. Some have set targets for 2030. Things are moving more quickly than anybody could have imagined on this issue.
I am not ruling out the possibility of Bangladesh being granted a place in the GSP+. I would rather argue that we need to also prepare for a time when we can stand on our own two feet as far as international trade is concerned. To do this, I believe we now need to make faster moves on bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and also preferential trading agreements (PTAs) with some of our existing trading partners, where we can negotiate mutually gainful benefits and opportunities. It is a new game that our government and businesses must start preparing for.
In theory, this sounds like a good idea, but it is not so straightforward.
There is anecdotal evidence that investment is taking place to upgrade operations to meet the demands of international customers.
The discussion on holding the largest emitter to account was notably lacking at the conference.
As garment makers, we cannot afford to absorb all cost increases along the supply chain.
My biggest worry in this situation is for our RMG workers, who are among the most vulnerable parts in the global fashion supply chain.
Global energy challenges are continuing to impact Bangladesh's garment industry.
By limiting ourselves to these two markets, we are missing out on a whole world of opportunities.
Climate change is a problem which was (largely) made in the West, but we are feeling its impacts in countries like ours more than ever.
