Brent T. Christensen, US Ambassador to Bangladesh, called for greater transparency and open competition in Bangladesh’s major infrastructure projects on September 7. He made the remarks during a meeting with Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Commerce Minister, at the FBCCI office in Dhaka. Christensen noted that a predictable procurement system will boost investor confidence and attract more US companies to the country.

The meeting covered bilateral trade, US investment, energy cooperation, and policy reforms. The proposed floating storage and regasification unit project was a key topic according to the commerce ministry.

Bangladesh operates two terminals with a combined capacity of 1,100 million cubic feet per day and needs additional LNG infrastructure to address domestic gas shortages. A steady gas supply remains critical to keep apparel manufacturing running and preserve export growth.

Speed of project execution remains a government priority. Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said US companies will receive high priority if they can deliver an FSRU quickly with an effective supply plan.

He noted that the government removed the requirement for foreign companies to appoint local agents when procuring strategic equipment. Direct procurement from manufacturers will increase transparency and reduce the role of intermediaries.

Bilateral energy cooperation continues to grow through strategic agreements. In May, the US Department of Energy and Bangladesh signed a memorandum of understanding on long-term energy security. Bangladesh also approved a long-term supply deal with Gunvor USA LLC for 117 LNG cargoes between 2026 and 2038. Clear evaluation criteria and open competition will help convert US interest into actual investment across energy and infrastructure sectors.

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has launched a Tk 2,498.99 crore project to build a 442 MW solar power plant on 685 acres beside the Rampal thermal plant in Bagerhat. The initiative aims to expand renewable energy capacity alongside existing infrastructure.

The project aims to increase the country’s renewable energy generation capacity. BPDB has already prepared a Development Project Proposal (DPP) and submitted it to the Planning Commission for evaluation.

According to BPDB sources, the land earmarked for the solar project was originally acquired for the second phase of the Rampal coal-fired power plant.

However, following a government policy decision against new coal-fired power projects, the 685 acres remained unused for an extended period. BPDB has now proposed developing a 442 MW (DC) solar power plant on the site.

The project is scheduled to be implemented from September of the current fiscal year through June 2029.

Of the estimated Tk 2,498.99 crore project cost, BPDB plans to finance Tk 374.85 crore from its own funds, while Tk 2,124 crore would come from the Power Sector Development Fund. The cost estimates were prepared using an exchange rate of Tk 123 per US dollar.

The proposed solar plant will be built beside the 1,320 MW Rampal coal‑fired power plant, operated by Bangladesh‑India Friendship Power Company Ltd. (BIFPCL). The joint venture is a 50:50 partnership between BPDB and India’s NTPC.

The Industry and Energy Division of the Planning Commission had sought approval from Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury to undertake the large-scale solar project at the Rampal site. Planning Ministry sources said policy approval was subsequently granted at a ministry meeting.

Notably, BPDB has submitted the DPP and the proposal is now under processing. They said permission was sought because of previous controversies surrounding the Rampal power plant, while the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) meeting has yet to be held.

The project's financing is expected to face particular scrutiny during the PEC process, as BPDB is currently a loss-making entity and relies heavily on government subsidies to purchase electricity.

Planning Commission officials said BPDB would be asked during the PEC meeting to explain how the project would be financed and how its cost estimates were prepared. They added that recent experience with solar power projects and electricity purchase arrangements would help assess whether the proposed expenditure is reasonable.

According to the project proposal, the estimated power generation cost of the solar plant is Tk 2.94 per kilowatt-hour.

The proposed viable tariff is Tk 6.33 per kWh, while the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has fixed the selling rate at Tk 8.39 per kWh.

Also, the 442 MW solar project would be developed using BPDB’s own financing on the land originally acquired for the second phase of the Rampal thermal power plant.

Meanwhile, the government has set a target of reaching 10,000 MW of total solar power generation capacity by 2030 as part of its efforts to expand renewable energy.

To encourage investment in the sector, customs duty, regulatory duty, supplementary duty and advance tax on imports of essential solar power equipment, components and batteries have been exempted until 2031.

India’s apparel trade with Europe is entering a turning point. Its exports to the European Union reached a record $4.66 billion in FY2025–26, up from $4.55 billion a year earlier. The number is still modest compared with the scale of the EU market, but the direction is changing fast.

The European market is becoming strategically important for India because the country is about to remove one of its biggest growth barriers. India and the EU concluded their Free Trade Agreement negotiations in January 2026. According to the Government of India, zero-duty access across textile and clothing tariff lines will eliminate EU duties that currently reach 12% on an import market valued at $263.5 billion.

This matters because India is not entering Europe from a standing start. It already has a large manufacturing base, domestic fiber availability, and an integrated supply chain covering cotton, man-made fibers, and home textiles.

The shift is already visible in corporate strategy. India's textile exports to Europe increased 9% in FY2025–26, while exports to the US declined 7%. Raymond Lifestyle expects Europe to contribute 20–25% of its exports within two years, up from 17%. According to Reuters, European inquiries have increased, and around 30% have converted into orders.

The impact will be felt directly in sourcing competition. The EU imported about €90 billion of apparel in 2025, with Bangladesh remaining a major supplier. In January–April 2026, Bangladesh's apparel exports to the EU fell 19.33% to €6.09 billion.

Bangladesh still has duty-free access under the Everything but Arms arrangement during its LDC transition. India will not gain an immediate tariff advantage over Bangladesh. Instead, India will remove the 9–12% tariff gap that made its products less competitive.

However, the long-term dynamic will change when Bangladesh graduates from LDC status and loses automatic EBA access. India will also face the EU's strict Rules of Origin requirements, which typically demand double transformation from yarn to garment. Integrated Indian mills will qualify easily, but non-integrated garment converters importing foreign fabric will face challenges.

Non-tariff barriers will also test Indian exporters. The EU is implementing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and strict supply chain compliance rules. Indian manufacturers relying on coal-heavy power grids must address energy sustainability to capture market share.

Tariff removal alone will not decide the winners. The competition will depend on scale, speed, quality, compliance, and supply chain reliability. India’s success will depend on how quickly manufacturers convert tariff savings into competitive pricing and secure long-term European buyer programs.

France is taking textile EPR into a new phase. Brands will pay more when their business models contribute to faster textile waste.

The shift became clearer on September 1, 2026, when France’s new “industrial and commercial practices” penalty took effect. Under the measure, certain products can face additional EPR charges based on the breadth of a company’s product range and the incentives it provides for repair. The penalty sits alongside France’s existing bonus-malus system for durability, recycled content and recyclability.

The timing is significant. France has operated mandatory textile EPR since 2007, giving it almost two decades of experience. Yet collection remains far below ambition. About 32% of textiles placed on the market were collected in 2023, against a target of 60% by 2028.

That gap exposes the harder side of circularity, and funding collection does not automatically create profitable recycling capacity.

Refashion, France’s textile EPR organization, collected around 272,000 tons of clothing and footwear in 2025. But the industry still faces challenges in sorting, reuse and textile-to-textile recycling, where economics and available infrastructure remain critical constraints.

The EU’s revised Waste Framework Directive requires member states to establish textile EPR schemes by April 2028. France’s model is one of the most developed real-world references for that transition.

Material choices, product durability, recyclability, and repairability will increasingly influence the cost of putting garments on the European market. Suppliers that can support these requirements may gain strategic value, while those dependent on low-cost, short-life production could face rising compliance pressure.

The Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leathergoods and Footwear Exporters Association (BFLLFEA) and the ZDHC Foundation had a meeting to accelerate sustainable chemical management in Bangladesh's leather and tannery sectors. This collaborative effort represents a major stride toward alignment with global environmental standards and building international competitiveness for the local leather industry.

The partnership is centered on a comprehensive 36-month initiative (three years) funded by the French Development Agency (AFD). The program is specifically targeted to support leather manufacturing industries. Swiss specialized firm ECOPSIS and local solution partner Amin & Jahan Corporation Limited (A&J) are executing the program's implementation.

Participating facilities will receive full financial coverage for registration, platform licensing, and access to core ZDHC tools to remove any cost barriers to onboarding. The technical assistance, coordinated on-site by A&J Corporation, will assist factory teams in establishing robust Chemical Inventory Lists (CIL), adopting InCheck reporting, and attaining Supplier to Zero (Level 1 and Level 2) credentials. Furthermore, SGS Bangladesh will conduct comprehensive classroom and webinar training sessions for two designated professionals from each participating facility.

BFLLFEA Vice-Chairman Mr. Maksudur Rahman Shopan (Chairman, Accenture Footwear & Leather Products Ltd.) stressed that the program must prioritize practical capacity building and hands-on factory-level guidance over compliance related matters. He remarked that this project is a timely opportunity for the association's members that may help them to reduce chemical consumption costs by up to 15% through optimized processes, while enhancing commercial viability in European and American markets.

Mr. Sheikh Ali Ashraf, BFLLFEA Executive Committee Member (Managing Director, Sarwar Leather Corporation Ltd.), noted that completing ZDHC validation serves as a powerful progress acknowledgment. This credential provides tanneries with a critical bargaining and negotiating edge with the government to renovate the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in Dhaka's leather zone, creating a collaborative path toward full environmental compliance.

Mr. Noor Mohammad, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology (University of Dhaka), detailed how the ZDHC framework directly aligns with the in-house tannery processes and internal chemical management.

ZDHC Foundation was represented by Ms. Mariella Noto, Academia & Multilateral Partnerships Director, and Mr. S. M. Rayhan Hossain, Bangladesh Country Manager; ECOPSIS was represented by Ms. Goufrane Mansour, Project Director; while A&J Corporation Limited was represented by Engr. Ehsanul Karim Kaiser, Project Advisor, Engr. ASM Tareq Amin, Project Manager, and Mr. Enamul Hafiz Latifee, Deputy Project Manager (Policy and M&E), Mr. Md. Abdul Muhit, Manager of Sustainability, Mr. M A Mohiemen Tanim, Head of Operations.

Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry secured strong recognition at the inaugural ESG Excellence Awards 2026, highlighting growing efforts by manufacturers to translate environmental, social and governance commitments into measurable factory-level performance.

Jointly organized by UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh and ESG Institute Bangladesh, and powered by Shwapno, the award ceremony was held on 5 September 2026 at La Vita Hall, Lakeshore Grand, Gulshan, Dhaka. The official awards programme covered 20 ESG categories.

The programme received around 150 submissions, with companies and individuals recognized for achievements spanning environmental management, workplace development, governance, supply chain practices, reporting and innovation.

Textile and apparel sector gains recognition

Textile and apparel manufacturers featured prominently among the award recipients, particularly in areas directly linked to the sector’s sustainability priorities, including water stewardship, carbon emission control, energy efficiency, green infrastructure, worker wellbeing, workforce development, accessibility and gender equity.

Envoy Textiles Limited received Gold Awards for Water Stewardship and Efficiency, Carbon Emission Control, and Green Building and Sustainable Infrastructure, alongside a Silver Award for Worker Wellbeing and Workplace Improvement.

Other recognized textile and apparel companies included SQ Group, Urmi Group, Vintage Denim Apparels Ltd. of ABA Group, Palmal Group of Industries, Tasniah Fabrics Ltd. of Masco Group, Fakir Fashion Ltd. and Energypac Fashions Limited.

The recognition reflects the increasing importance of ESG performance for Bangladesh’s export-oriented manufacturing sector, where buyers, investors and regulators are placing greater emphasis on verifiable environmental and social performance.

Recognition based on demonstrated performance

Awards were presented across 20 categories covering areas such as energy transition, water stewardship, waste and circular practices, carbon emission control, occupational health and safety, worker wellbeing, skills development, gender equity, responsible supply chains, sustainability reporting and sustainable product and digital innovation.

An independent jury comprising professionals from regulation, academia, finance and industry evaluated the submissions. Applicants were also asked to provide written clarification where claims were not adequately supported by evidence.

This evidence-based approach was a central message of the programme.

Shahamin S. Zaman, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh, said Bangladesh’s ESG conversation is “shifting from what companies believe to what they can demonstrate.”

Shadman Sakib Anik, Founder and Executive Director of ESG Institute Bangladesh, said the awards would establish a benchmark for future participants.

Government and diplomatic representatives join ceremony

Abdul Awal Mintoo, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, attended the event as chief guest. Speaking at the ceremony, he stressed that meaningful progress towards Bangladesh’s climate ambitions would ultimately have to take place on factory floors and in corporate boardrooms.

The programme was also attended by Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh; Christian Brix Møller, Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh; Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh; Nuzhat Anwar, Managing Director of Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC; and Farooq Sobhan, Network Representative of UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh, among other distinguished guests.

Farooq Sobhan delivered the welcome remarks, while Nuzhat Anwar highlighted the increasing importance of ESG disclosure from an investor and capital-market perspective.

Representatives of the diplomatic community also emphasized the importance of independent recognition built around measurable ESG performance rather than corporate claims alone.

Three individuals recognized for climate action

The Championing Climate Action Award recognized three industry leaders for their individual contributions to climate action: Shamarukh Fakhruddin, Director of Urmi Group; Md. Subail Bin Alam, Chief Operating Officer of Rancon Infrastructures and Engineering; and S. M. Mahbubul Alam, Managing Director of Walton Hi-Tech Industries.

For Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry, the awards underline an important transition. ESG is increasingly moving beyond certifications and policy commitments towards measurable performance in energy, water, emissions, people management and governance.

As international buyers, financial institutions and regulators demand stronger sustainability data and greater transparency, manufacturers capable of demonstrating measurable improvement will be better positioned to strengthen competitiveness and stakeholder confidence.

Applications for the ESG Excellence Awards 2027 are expected to open early next year.

Envoy Textiles Limited (ETL) has developed and commissioned a fabric scouring machine through its own Engineering Division, taking inspiration from an existing machine already operating on its finishing floor. The initiative reduced the required investment by around 85 percent compared with purchasing a comparable commercial machine.

The machine was inaugurated on 13 August 2026 at Envoy Textiles’ factory premises by Kutubuddin Ahmed, Chairman of Envoy Textiles Limited, and Sumayyah Ahmed, Director, along with family members.

Rather than starting with an entirely new machine concept, Envoy’s engineers studied the configuration and operating principles of the existing scouring machine on the production floor. They then developed a similar setup using their technical experience, locally sourced materials and available mechanical components.

This approach gave the team several practical advantages:

• The engineering team already understood the machine’s operating principle and production requirements.
• The production team could operate the new machine without facing a significant learning curve.
• Existing materials and components could be utilized, helping reduce fabrication cost.
• Technical risks were comparatively lower because the design was based on a proven operating setup.

According to Envoy, the new machine cost approximately 15 percent of the investment required for a comparable purchased unit.

Initial trials have also shown no distinguishable difference in performance compared with the existing machine. However, the company plans to assess its performance further during bulk production across different fabric constructions and GSM ranges.

Talking to Textile Today, Kutubuddin Ahmed said, "This is a proud moment for us. We keep building things in-house — our engineering team has put up lifts for our factory premises and a number of other machines besides this one. It says a lot about the strength of our technical team.”

The project demonstrates an important approach to industrial innovation: factories do not always need to begin with a completely new idea. Existing machinery on the production floor can itself become a source of learning, enabling engineering teams to understand proven technology, adapt it to factory requirements and develop cost-effective solutions using their own capabilities.

Bangladesh retained its position as the second-largest apparel supplier to the US during January-July 2026, as China’s shipments to the market fell at a much sharper rate.

According to the latest Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) data, Bangladesh exported $4.66 billion worth of apparel to the US during the period, down 6.50% year over year. China’s exports fell 34.21% to $4.55 billion, putting Bangladesh $110 million ahead.

The shift is notable because Bangladesh did not gain the position through export growth. China’s faster decline created the gap. Bangladesh first moved ahead of China in January-February 2026, and the latest seven-month data shows that it has maintained the position.

The wider US apparel market also contracted. Total apparel imports fell 8.65% year over year to $41.83 billion during January-July, according to OTEXA.

Sourcing is shifting beyond Bangladesh

The data shows that China’s lost business is being distributed across several competing suppliers rather than moving directly to Bangladesh.

Source: OTEXA

This makes the competitive picture clear. US buyers are diversifying sourcing, but Bangladesh is not the only beneficiary. Vietnam is protecting its dominant position, while Cambodia and Indonesia are gaining share in a shrinking market.

Volume and price show different pressures

Bangladesh’s apparel shipment volume to the US declined 4.34% during January-July, compared with a 24.17% fall for China.

The difference becomes sharper when prices are considered. Bangladesh’s average unit price declined 2.26%, while China’s fell 13.24%.

China is therefore facing pressure from both lower volumes and lower prices. Bangladesh has shown greater price stability, even though its shipment volume has also declined.

Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia recorded increases in unit prices. Their performance suggests that gaining US business is not solely a matter of offering lower prices. Product mix and the ability to supply categories with stronger value are also becoming important.

July signals continued demand pressure

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the US fell 10.73% in July alone, according to OTEXA. The monthly decline indicates that retaining the No. 2 position does not mean demand has recovered.

In fact, Bangladesh’s exports were about $324 million lower than the estimated January-July 2025 level, while China’s were about $2.37 billion lower.

The contrast is important. China has lost far more business, but Bangladesh has not captured the equivalent value.

For Bangladesh, the opportunity therefore lies beyond replacing China in the ranking. The country needs to capture a larger share of the orders being redistributed across the US sourcing base.

Expanding man-made-fiber and higher-value apparel, improving lead times and increasing supply-chain flexibility could help convert the current sourcing shift into sustainable growth.

The latest OTEXA data shows that Bangladesh has secured an important position. The next challenge is turning that position into stronger export value.

The 25th Bangladesh Edition of the Textile Series of Exhibitions 2026 concludes today in Dhaka, marking 25 years of CEMS-Global USA and CEMS Bangladesh’s engagement with the country’s textile and apparel industry.

Held from September 2 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BCFEC), Purbachal, the four-day international event brought together global manufacturers, technology providers, suppliers, buyers and sourcing professionals, highlighting the latest developments across Bangladesh’s textile and apparel value chain.

The 25th Bangladesh Edition featured three major international exhibitions: the 25th Textech Bangladesh 2026 International Expo, the 26th Dhaka International Yarn & Fabric Show 2026 - Summer Edition, and the 53rd DyeChem Bangladesh 2026 International Expo.

Together, the exhibitions showcased textile and apparel machinery, automation, advanced production technologies, yarn, fabrics, trims, accessories, dyestuffs, chemicals and a wide range of technology-driven solutions for the textile and apparel manufacturing value chain.

According to the organizers, the exhibition brought together around 1,475 companies from 37 countries, with more than 2,245 booths and pavilions. More than 16,000 business visitors participated in the four-day event.

Meherun N. Islam, President & Group Managing Director of CEMS-Global USA & Asia-Pacific, said that Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry has undergone significant transformation over the past 25 years, making notable progress in modern technology, advanced production systems, productivity, international standards, compliance and sustainable manufacturing.

She said the Textile Series has evolved from a conventional exhibition into one of Bangladesh’s important annual business gatherings and international B2B platforms, enabling buyers, suppliers and industry stakeholders to establish direct business connections.

Over the four days, the exhibition provided opportunities for factory owners, manufacturers, production managers, merchandisers, sourcing professionals, buying houses, engineers, designers, importers, distributors and international suppliers to explore new technologies, evaluate production solutions, source materials, develop supplier relationships and build long-term international partnerships.

One of the key attractions of this year’s exhibition was the Digital Transformation Zone at Hall B. The zone showcased solutions related to AI and automation, ERP, smart factories, IoT, Industry 4.0, data analytics, cloud technology, cybersecurity, sustainable production and traceability, highlighting the growing role of digital technologies in improving productivity and operational efficiency.

Five international seminars were also organized alongside the exhibitions, focusing on innovation, sustainable development, wastewater management, Bangladesh-India textile value chains, logistics and trade facilitation, architectural trends in the textile industry, and industry-academia strategies for developing a future-ready workforce in the age of artificial intelligence.

The exhibition took place at a time when the global textile and apparel industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by sustainability, traceability, supply-chain resilience, shorter lead times, transparency, automation, artificial intelligence and data-driven manufacturing.

Against this backdrop, the 25th Bangladesh Edition of the Textile Series served as a platform for Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry to connect with global technologies, materials, knowledge and business partners while exploring opportunities for greater productivity, innovation, diversification, sustainability and value addition.

The Textile Series of Exhibitions is part of CEMS-Global USA’s international exhibition portfolio and is held annually in major textile and apparel manufacturing and sourcing markets, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Morocco, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Over the past 25 years, the exhibition series has continued to connect Bangladesh’s textile and apparel manufacturers with international suppliers and technology providers, contributing to business networking, technology exchange, sourcing opportunities and cross-border collaboration.

As the 25th Bangladesh Edition concludes today, the Textile Series once again underlines its continuing role as an international B2B platform connecting Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry with the global manufacturing, sourcing and technology ecosystem.

The government plans to build a world‑class Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at Savar Tannery Estate while rehabilitating the existing facility. The move aims to resolve the leather industry’s long‑standing environmental compliance challenges.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir disclosed the plan while speaking at a policy dialogue titled “Advancing Bangladesh’s Leather Sector: Challenges, Opportunities and Reform” in Dhaka.

He said a world-class institution would be selected through a transparent tender process to construct the new CETP, with relevant leather industry associations involved throughout the process.

The minister said the environmental cost of having a non-functional CETP is higher than the business benefits generated by the facility. He noted that although the existing CETP was designed to treat 25,000 cubic metres of effluent, its effective capacity is currently around 14,000–15,000 cubic metres.

The pressure on the treatment system increases significantly during Eid-ul-Azha when the supply of rawhides rises, making a new facility necessary alongside rehabilitation of the existing one.

Muktadir said the government had received separate proposals for rehabilitating the existing CETP from an Italian company and a Chinese state-owned enterprise. The proposals will be comparatively assessed before a decision is made.

He added that rehabilitation of the existing CETP could cost nearly twice as much as constructing a new facility.

Notably, all future tannery operators would be required to maintain full environmental and other compliance and obtain certification from the Leather Working Group (LWG).

Emphasizing the need to increase value addition in the sector, he called for processing rawhides into leather and leather goods domestically rather than exporting rawhides for processing abroad.

Muktadir acknowledged that while the decision to relocate tanneries from Hazaribagh to Savar was correct, its implementation was poorly managed.

The government is also considering creating an opportunity for investors who have lost the capacity or willingness to make further investments after years of investment to make a “graceful exit” from the sector.

Also, such an exit mechanism could create space for new investors to enter the industry and contribute to its revival.

The global apparel trade is undergoing a structural shift toward knitwear, reflecting changing consumer preferences and the growing demand for casual, stretch, and performance-oriented clothing. Knitwear exports rose from $145.2 billion in 2006 to $289.1 billion in 2025, increasing their share of global textile exports from 25.9% to 31.6%.

Knitwear also overtook woven garments in export value in 2020, marking a significant change in the composition of global apparel trade. By 2025, knitted and woven garments together generated $546.8 billion in exports, accounting for nearly 60% of the approximately $914 billion global textile export market.

A major driver behind this growth is the rise of synthetic fibers. Synthetic knitwear exports grew by 179% over the last two decades. They rose from $35.6 billion in 2006 to $99.2 billion in 2025. Cotton knitwear also grew to $128.3 billion, but its overall share of the knitwear market decreased. This shift happens because modern consumers prefer athleisure, sportswear, and stretch clothing.

This trend has altered global manufacturing hubs. Knitting technology and automated production allow factories to adapt quickly. Countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam have experienced rapid growth because of their knitwear capacity. Together with China, these three nations now supply nearly half of all global textile exports.

Knitwear remains the main growth driver of the apparel trade. However, the industry faces new regulatory challenges related to sustainability and synthetic fiber waste.

Factory design must consider workers, not just production

Architects have called for greater emphasis on sustainable, energy-efficient and worker-friendly design in Bangladesh’s textile and garment factories, saying industrial architecture should go beyond production capacity to ensure workers’ safety, comfort and well-being while improving the long-term performance of factory buildings.

They made the remarks at a seminar titled “Architectural Trends in the Textile Industry” held on 4 September at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BCFEC) in Purbachal, Dhaka, as part of the ongoing 25th Textile Series of Exhibitions 2026.

CEMS-Global organized the seminar in collaboration with ARCHICONNECT.

Architect Dr Afroze Ahmed, Chairman and Co-founder of ARCHICONNECT, moderated the session. The speakers included Architect Md. Sharif Uddin Ahmed, Principal Architect and Founder of Sthapatik; Architect Shahnawaz Bappi, Principal Architect of Ground One; and Architect Nazli Hossain, Founder of Praxis Architects.

The speakers discussed emerging architectural trends in Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry, highlighting sustainable construction, the use of natural light and ventilation, energy efficiency, climate resilience, fire safety and the need to create healthier working environments for factory workers.

Read TexTIME Episode 29: https://textiletoday.com.bd/industry-leaders-call-for-stronger-innovation-ecosystem-for-sustainable-textile-growth

Sharing his experience from various industrial projects, Architect Md. Sharif Uddin Ahmed said factory buildings should be designed in harmony with the local climate and environment to achieve both environmental and economic benefits.

He stressed that issues such as rainwater harvesting, thermal control of buildings and fire safety should be incorporated from the early stages of the design process rather than being considered later.

Architect Shahnawaz Bappi highlighted the importance of human-centric design in industrial architecture. He said factory design should not focus solely on production activities; workers’ mental well-being, access to nature, and overall workplace quality should also be integral to the design.

He cited features such as rooftop gardens, open terraces, internal courtyards and adequate natural light and ventilation as ways to create more comfortable and worker-friendly industrial environments.

Architect Nazli Hossain emphasised the importance of a performance-based approach to sustainable building design. She explained that tools such as energy modelling and lighting simulation can help architects and developers estimate a building’s energy consumption, water efficiency and operational costs during the design stage.

She said such approaches can help reduce long-term operating costs while also lowering the environmental impact of industrial buildings.

Speaking at the seminar, Meherun N. Islam, President and Group Managing Director of CEMS-Global USA & Asia-Pacific, said, “Entrepreneurs in the textile and apparel sector are continuously expanding and modernising their factories. Architects can play an important role in developing modern and sustainable factories while further strengthening the image of Bangladesh’s industry in the international arena through environmentally responsible and worker-friendly design.”

Tanveer Qamrul Islam, Executive Director of CEMS-Global, along with professionals from the textile, apparel and architectural sectors, attended the seminar.

The 25th Textile Series of Exhibitions 2026 is being held from September 2 to 5 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal, organised by CEMS-Global. The four-day international exhibition features machinery, yarn, fabrics, accessories, dyestuffs and related technologies for the textile and apparel industries, with participation from local and international companies.

In solidarity with the people of neighboring Nepal and as part of its humanitarian and social responsibility, Team Group has taken the initiative to extend support to those affected by the recent natural disaster in the country.

A handover ceremony was held at the head office of Team Group on 3 September 2026, attended by Abdullah Hil Nakib, Deputy Managing Director of Team Group; Zahidul Islam, Chief Executive Officer; Bertin Gomez, Country Head of Good Neighbors Bangladesh; and senior officials from both organizations. This humanitarian aid initiative includes garments manufactured by Team Group, essential items from the clothing brand 'Twelve', and medicines from Team Pharmaceuticals.

Speaking at the occasion, Abdullah Hil Nakib said, “This is not merely a relief initiative; it is an expression of our humanitarian and social responsibility to stand beside people during times of crisis. Guided by this belief, Team Group has taken the initiative.”

He further said, “Borders may separate us, but humanity knows no boundaries. Standing beside our neighbors during their time of hardship is not an act of favor - it is our humanitarian responsibility. Through this initiative, we want to convey a message of love, empathy and solidarity from Bangladesh to the people of Nepal during this difficult time.”

Hoorain HTF Ltd participated in the late summer/autumn edition of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris, held from August 31 to September 2, 2026, at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Center, presenting its high summer and autumn/winter collections along with a range of new product innovations.

The three-day fair brought together nearly 1,200 international exhibitors showcasing global textiles, sustainable solutions, and apparel sourcing opportunities to buyers and brands from around the world.

At its stand, Hoorain HTF Ltd displayed offerings across several key production categories, including cotton, drapery, embroidery, corduroy, semi-jacquard/dobby, linen, hemp, Tencel and modal, prints, and yarn-dyed fabrics, alongside its latest innovations in each segment.

The company's presentation featured a curated selection of materials, techniques, and textile expertise designed to spark new ideas and sourcing opportunities for visiting buyers, spanning advanced embroidery work to sustainable manufacturing methods.

Sustainability at the core

In line with the fair's broader direction, Hoorain HTF Ltd continued to emphasize eco-responsible sourcing, offering guidance and tools to help fashion brands strengthen supply chain transparency as sustainability remains a growing priority across the apparel sourcing landscape.

Ideas shaping fashion's future

Beyond the exhibition floor, Texworld Paris hosted three days of conference sessions exploring the industry's direction, with discussions on Fashion 4.0, evolving workplace expectations, trend forecasting, traceability, durability, artificial intelligence, regenerative business models, and broader fashion strategy.

Strong buyer turnout

Organizers and exhibitors described the edition as highly successful, with many of the world's leading apparel brands and buyers visiting the show floor. Hoorain HTF Ltd used the opportunity to engage with visiting customers, share insights on its latest collections, and discuss potential future business opportunities.

Profitability is not proof of operational excellence
Many organizations assume that if the business is making money, their processes must be working well. While profitability is certainly a positive sign, it often masks hidden inefficiencies that silently erode margins, reduce competitiveness, and limit future growth.

The most successful companies don't wait for problems to appear. They improve while they are winning.

The hidden cost of success

A profitable factory can still be losing a significant amount of money every single day through waste that goes unnoticed. These losses rarely appear as a single large expense. Instead, they accumulate in small, everyday activities:

• Excess inventory occupying valuable space and cash
• Long machine changeover times reducing available production hours
• Frequent equipment breakdowns disrupting schedules
• Unnecessary movement by operators
• Waiting between processes
• Rework, defects, and quality failures
• Poor information flow causing delays and confusion

These issues gradually increase operational costs while reducing customer satisfaction and overall competitiveness.

The danger is that organizations become comfortable because the financial results still look healthy.

The dangerous assumption

One of the most common beliefs in manufacturing is: "We're making money, so our processes must be good."

Unfortunately, this assumption prevents organizations from seeing improvement opportunities.

Many factories only begin their Lean journey after profits decline, customer complaints increase, or competition becomes stronger. By then, valuable time and money have already been lost.

A Lean Expert helps organizations identify these hidden opportunities long before they become serious business problems.

What does a lean expert really do?

A Lean Expert doesn't simply reduce costs.

Their primary responsibility is to improve how the business creates value for customers.

This includes:

• Eliminating activities that do not add value
• Improving process flow
• Reducing lead time
• Increasing productivity
• Improving equipment reliability
• Making work easier and safer for employees
• Enhancing quality while controlling costs
• Building a culture of continuous improvement

Instead of focusing only on today's production targets, a Lean Expert designs systems that consistently deliver better performance every day.

Seeing what others don't

Most people see activity.

Lean Experts see waste.

For example, they notice:

• Operators walking long distances because workstations are poorly organized
• Forklifts waiting because materials are not available at the right time
• Machines producing while downstream processes are blocked
• Employees spending time searching for tools instead of creating value
• Teams repeatedly discussing yesterday's problems rather than preventing tomorrow's

These observations may appear small individually, but together they represent significant opportunities for improvement.

Before lean vs. after lean

Without Lean:

• Waste remains hidden.
• Problems become normal.
• Costs slowly increase.
• Competitiveness gradually declines.

With Lean:

• Waste becomes visible.
• Improvement opportunities are identified.
• Teams solve problems systematically.
• Productivity and quality improve together.
• Customers receive greater value.
• Sustainable competitiveness is built.

Lean transforms firefighting into proactive management.

The real business value

A skilled Lean Expert delivers benefits that extend far beyond cost reduction.

Organizations typically experience:

• Shorter lead times
• Higher productivity
• Improved equipment reliability
• Lower operating costs
• Better product quality
• Greater employee engagement
• Stronger problem-solving capability
• Increased customer satisfaction
• Sustainable profitability

More importantly, Lean develops people—not just processes.

When employees learn to identify problems, analyze root causes, and implement improvements, continuous improvement becomes part of the organization's culture rather than a one-time project.

Lean is about thinking differently

One of the biggest misconceptions about operational improvement is that it requires expensive technology or new machinery.

In reality, many of the most impactful improvements require little or no capital investment.

They come from:

• Better workplace organization
• Smarter workflows
• Standardized processes
• Visual management
• Effective problem-solving
• Employee involvement
• Daily continuous improvement

The greatest competitive advantage often comes from changing how people think before changing what they buy.

Final thoughts

Profitability should never create complacency.

A factory can be profitable today while still carrying hidden waste that threatens tomorrow's success.

World-class organizations understand that continuous improvement is not a response to failure—it is the discipline that prevents failure.

A Lean Expert helps businesses uncover opportunities that others overlook, enabling them to improve productivity, reduce waste, engage employees, and deliver greater value to customers.

Today's profits are the result of yesterday's decisions. Tomorrow's profitability depends on the improvements you choose to make today.