THE GARMENT INDUSTRY OF BANGLADESH

The garment industry has played a pioneering role in the development of industrial sector of Bangladesh. Though it took a rather late start i.e., in 1976 but it soon established its reputation in the world market within a short span of time. Resultantly garment is now one of the main export items of the country. Besides, enriching the country's economy it has played a very important role in alleviating unemployment. At present there are more than two thousand one hundred garment factories in the country employing more than 12 lack labours. 85 percent of the labour force is women.
Once Sri-Lanka was leader in this field in South Asia and India was its competitor. After a bloody civil war resulting in the quick demise of the garments industry of Sri-Lanka and India, the international buyers and investors diverted their attention towards Bangladesh. As a result the garments industry of Bangladesh expanded with unprecedented success. During the financial year 1993-94 Bangladesh earned 6199.8 cores Taka.Contribution in the national economy
The role of the RMG sector in our national economy can hardly be over-emphasized. There has been a steady development in our RMG export field during at least the last decade and a half but in the last few years it has been unique. The export of RMG recorded an average growth of 21.53% since 1994-95, which grew to 76.05% by the year 1999.The table, is given bellow elaborates the growth.Development of the Export of RMG SectorYEAR Export of RMG (in Mln. US$) Total Export (in Mln. US$) Share of RMG's to Total Export

1993-94 1555.79 2533.90 61.40

1994-95 2228.35 3472.56 64.17

1995-96 2547.13 3882.42 65.61

1996-97 3001.25 4418.28 67.93

1997-98 3781.94 5161.20 73.28

1998-99 4019.98 5312.86 75.67

1999-00 2810.38 3695.46 76.05

Source: Bangladesh Export...