Industry entrepreneurs, policymakers, and experts have stressed the urgent need for Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) and textile sector to rapidly adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI), automated technologies, Industry 4.0, and high-value product manufacturing to maintain a competitive global standing following the country's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
According to them, Bangladesh's future competitiveness will no longer rely solely on low production costs or tariff preferences. Instead, boosted productivity, technology-driven manufacturing, innovation, sustainable industrialization, and high value addition will form the core foundation for surviving in the global market.
Speakers shared these insights on Monday (July 20) during the opening session of the two-day "Bayla Future Summit 2026," organized by the Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Alliance (Bayla) at a hotel in the capital.
Attending the event as chief guest, Minister of Labour and Employment Ariful Haque Choudhury stated that the ready-made garment industry is one of the primary drivers of the national economy and the largest employer.
To sustain long-term growth in this sector, developing skilled, innovative, and responsible next-generation leadership is essential.
He noted that upskilling and reskilling the workforce to meet the demands of technology-driven industries is a vital need of the hour. The government is actively working to implement new policy initiatives to promote sustainable industrialization and employment growth while ensuring an industry-friendly environment that balances the interests of both workers and factory owners.
Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), remarked that the future of the apparel sector will no longer depend merely on low production costs or preferential market access. Efficiency, productivity, and the ability to adapt quickly to change will become the core strengths in competition.
Vidiya Amrit Khan, vice president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), stated that companies can no longer progress simply by manufacturing according to buyer-provided designs. Focus must shift toward innovation, original designs, brand development, and manufacturing high-value-added products.
Asif Ashraf, managing director of Urmi Group, stated that with rising wages and intensifying global competition, there is no alternative to boosting productivity, quality, and efficiency. As a result, automation is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
He remarked: "AI will not replace humans; rather, people who use AI will replace those who do not."
Abrar Hossain Sayem, president of Bayla, said that surviving in tomorrow's global market will not be possible using traditional business models. "Think Beyond Today" is not just a slogan, but a mindset required for future competitiveness. Younger entrepreneurs must swiftly adopt AI and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Tanveer Ahmed, director of Sheltech Group, noted that Bangladesh has successfully overcome major historical challenges such as the post-quota era, global economic recessions, and the Covid-19 pandemic. To survive in the new global reality, greater investment in automation, AI, a skilled workforce, and high-value products is now required.
Nuria Lopez, chairperson of the European Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham), observed that demand for Bangladeshi garments remains strong in the European Union market. However, maintaining this position in the future will require sustainable production, adherence to environmental standards, and product diversification. She added that next-generation entrepreneurs investing in green factories and modern technology send a positive signal for the industry.
Meanwhile, during a session titled "Scaling Beyond Manufacturing: Power of Distribution and Customer Experience," Simin Rahman, Group CEO of Transcom Limited, stated that global buyers no longer just purchase clothing—they expect quality manufacturing, sustainable operations, trust, innovation, and reliability from Bangladesh.