Apparel sector must embrace innovation for future competitiveness: Inamul Haq Khan
5/16/2026
At the grand launching ceremony of the Textile Innovation Exchange held today at Le Méridien Dhaka, Inamul Haq Khan, Senior Vice President, BGMEA and Managing Director, Ananta Companies, highlighted the growing importance of innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency in maintaining Bangladesh’s global competitiveness in the apparel sector.
Speaking at the event, he said Bangladesh’s apparel industry has transformed into a $40 billion sector over the past four decades and now contributes nearly 84 percent of the country’s total export earnings.
“In the last four decades, Bangladesh’s apparel industry has become a $40 billion industry and contributes around 84% of the country’s total export earnings. Today, the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ label carries global recognition,” he said.
He noted that international buyers are no longer focused solely on value-added or exclusive products. Instead, they are increasingly evaluating how factories align with efficiency, sustainability, decarbonization, and a strong problem-solving culture.
“Buyers are looking forward to sustainability because it is no longer an option. It is a necessity,” he added.
Referring to Bangladesh’s achievements in green manufacturing, Inamul Haq Khan said the country has already demonstrated global leadership through internationally recognized green apparel factories. However, he stressed that the same commitment and innovative mindset must be expanded across the entire industry.
“We must bring the same commitment and innovation into every stage of the industry. Innovation must come from productivity, efficiency, and sustainability,” he said.
He further emphasized that the future competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel industry will largely depend on how effectively manufacturers respond to evolving buyer expectations, improve operational excellence, and foster a culture of continuous innovation and responsible manufacturing.
Speaking at the event, he said Bangladesh’s apparel industry has transformed into a $40 billion sector over the past four decades and now contributes nearly 84 percent of the country’s total export earnings.
“In the last four decades, Bangladesh’s apparel industry has become a $40 billion industry and contributes around 84% of the country’s total export earnings. Today, the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ label carries global recognition,” he said.
He noted that international buyers are no longer focused solely on value-added or exclusive products. Instead, they are increasingly evaluating how factories align with efficiency, sustainability, decarbonization, and a strong problem-solving culture.
“Buyers are looking forward to sustainability because it is no longer an option. It is a necessity,” he added.
Referring to Bangladesh’s achievements in green manufacturing, Inamul Haq Khan said the country has already demonstrated global leadership through internationally recognized green apparel factories. However, he stressed that the same commitment and innovative mindset must be expanded across the entire industry.
“We must bring the same commitment and innovation into every stage of the industry. Innovation must come from productivity, efficiency, and sustainability,” he said.
He further emphasized that the future competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel industry will largely depend on how effectively manufacturers respond to evolving buyer expectations, improve operational excellence, and foster a culture of continuous innovation and responsible manufacturing.