Garments Sector Development
in Bangladesh (1971-2023)

_Step into Bangladesh's captivating garment industry—a tale of transformation and boundless opportunities. Over the years, this sector has evolved into an economic powerhouse, changing millions of lives. The industry's growth has shifted focus to the promising garment sector, providing employment for millions, particularly uneducated women.

Bangladesh's export landscape has adapted, with the garment industry now generating approximately $5 billion in annual product exports and employing around 3 million workers.

In the late 1970s, the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) industry began to flourish, both in exports and the domestic market. This growth was fueled by increased disposable income and shifting lifestyles. Notably, women have played a significant role in the industry's expansion, with pioneering factories like Baishakhi Garment paving the way.

Since then, the RMG industry has experienced extraordinary growth, with the number of garment factories skyrocketing from nine in 1978 to 2,900 by 1999. Throughout the 1990s, the industry showcased a phenomenal growth rate of approximately 22%.

Looking at the remarkable transformation of the garment industry, we journey through time, exploring the number of garment industries and the employment opportunities they created. In the early 1980s, Bangladesh had 134 garment industries employing 40,000 workers.

By the late 1980s, the number surged to 759, providing jobs for over 300,000 individuals. In the 1990s, the industry expanded to 1,839 units, employing over 800,000 workers.

As we entered the new millennium, Bangladesh witnessed further progress. By the late 1990s, the country boasted 2,963 garment industries employing 1.5 million workers. In 2004, this figure rose to 3,957, providing jobs for 2 million workers. By 2008-09, an awe-inspiring 4,825 garment industries stood tall, creating employment for an incredible 3.1 million workers.

Bangladesh's garment industry has witnessed impressive growth, with RMG exports more than doubling between 2011 and 2019. By 2020, the country held a 6.30% market share, amounting to USD 27.4 billion in total exports.

However, growth is expected to slightly slow down to 24.4% in 2023, resulting in a potential revenue loss of $1.5 billion. Despite this, the garment sector remains a vital contributor, accounting for 9.3% of Bangladesh's GDP in the fiscal year through June 2022, showcasing its remarkable progress and global appeal.

These numbers represent more than statistics—they reflect lives changed, dreams fulfilled, and a nation's progress. The garment industry's exponential growth has contributed to Bangladesh's economic development and empowered millions.

It showcases the resilience, determination, and ingenuity of the Bangladeshi people, turning the industry into a remarkable success story.

Next time you wear a garment proudly made in Bangladesh, remember the incredible journey it took to reach your hands—a journey of growth, opportunity, and the unwavering spirit of a nation.

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