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.
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.
The RMG industry has provided lakhs of women, with their first formal employment opportunities.
A country’s energy mix may even one day override all other issues given the climate crisis we face.
Better wages cannot be introduced by any one actor alone.
What happens when you have done all that you can, but your emissions continue to go in the wrong direction?
Without fashion retailers and their suppliers working together, our industry as a whole will continue to see emissions rising.
It is time to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels altogether.
How can we reduce CO2 emissions associated with our industry?
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.
