Bangladesh’s apparel industry, valued at approximately USD 47 billion, is the backbone of the national economy. Accounting for 84% of total export earnings and employing around 4 million workers, the sector indirectly supports the livelihoods of 40 million people across the country. Despite its remarkable contribution, a glaring issue persists: the lack of updated, comprehensive, and qualitative research on this critical industry.
Outdated and Unreliable Data
The industry heavily relies on outdated statistics, with much of the data being quoted from studies conducted a decade ago. For example, the claim that 70% of garment workers in Bangladesh are women lacks a clear and current source. Conversely, there are growing concerns that the number of female workers is declining, yet no reliable data exists to validate such assertions. Similarly, productivity comparisons with competitor countries are often based on decade-old findings, such as those from the International Labour Organisation (ILO). These gaps in data not only hinder accurate planning but also fuel misconceptions, such as undue pressure on factories to increase productivity based on potentially obsolete metrics.
The Need for Research to Propel the Industry
Bangladesh’s apparel sector is at a pivotal juncture. With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, understanding the required skillsets and adapting to technological advancements are essential for future growth. However, no comprehensive studies currently exist to guide this transition. This lack of preparation underscores the urgent need for fresh research into productivity levels, workforce dynamics, and technological readiness.Leading research organisations like SANEM, RAPID, PRI, and CPD should spearhead such efforts, producing qualitative studies that provide actionable insights for the industry. Without a clear understanding of where the sector stands, planning its next leap becomes nearly impossible.
Overlooked Socioeconomic Impacts
The socioeconomic impact of the apparel industry is significant yet under-researched. For example, while Professor Rachel Heath’s study on the industry remains widely cited, it is now a decade old. Why aren’t Bangladeshi academic institutions taking the lead in exploring such topics? Universities like Dhaka University could delve into the industry’s socioeconomic indicators, contributing fresh perspectives and data.
Furthermore, there is a missed opportunity in business education. While Bangladeshi students study case studies of global brands like Nike and Puma, the success stories of local apparel giants are overlooked. Understanding the rise and fall of companies like the Sinha Group could provide valuable lessons for both academia and the industry. Incorporating local industry case studies into BBA and MBA curricula would empower future graduates to deliver impactful research and insights.
Basic Data: A Critical Need
Even the most fundamental statistics about the apparel industry require urgent updates. For example, the workforce size has been quoted as 4 million for over a decade. Has this number increased due to industry growth, or has it decreased due to automation, layoffs, or other economic factors? Furthermore, are there notable shifts in workforce demographics, such as the gender ratio or age distribution?
Equally critical is understanding changes in worker skill levels. Are workers being upskilled to meet the demands of automation, sustainability, or other global trends? What about attrition rates or migration patterns within the workforce? These factors can significantly impact productivity and the industry’s ability to compete globally. Without accurate, up-to-date data on these basic yet vital metrics, any efforts to plan for the future will remain speculative.
Moving Forward
To ensure sustainable growth, the apparel industry must place research and data collection at the forefront of its priorities. This begins with systematically analysing worker skillsets, productivity levels, workforce size, and the industry’s broader socioeconomic impacts. Such research can help identify gaps, trends, and opportunities that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Academic institutions, research organisations, and industry stakeholders must collaborate to build a robust, reliable knowledge base. For instance, universities can integrate research projects on the apparel industry into their curricula, equipping graduates with insights into the challenges and opportunities in this critical sector. Simultaneously, industry stakeholders can fund and support independent research bodies to collect, analyse, and disseminate data relevant to both local and global contexts.
As the lifeline of Bangladesh’s economy, the apparel industry’s future depends on understanding its current state. Without this foundational knowledge, efforts to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution, diversify markets, or improve worker well-being will falter. By investing in research and fostering collaboration, the industry can take confident strides toward a prosperous and resilient future.
Omar Gias
is a Communication and Sustainability Expert working in the apparel industry of Bangladesh. He can be reached at omargiasbd@gmail.com
