Experts urge AI, technology adoption to strengthen Bangladesh's apparel industry for post-LDC competitiveness

Industry leaders, policymakers and business executives have called on Bangladesh's apparel and textile sector to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, Industry 4.0 and value-added manufacturing to remain globally competitive after the country's graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category.

The call came at the inaugural session of the two-day Bayla Future Summit 2026 today (20 July), organised by the Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Alliance (Bayla) in Dhaka under the theme "Think Beyond Today."

The summit brought together government representatives, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, global buyers and development partners to discuss the future of Bangladesh's apparel industry, reads a press release.

Addressing the opening session as chief guest, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said the apparel industry remains a cornerstone of Bangladesh's economy and one of its largest sources of employment.

He stressed the need to develop skilled, innovative and responsible young leaders capable of steering the industry through technological transformation.

"The government is committed to creating a balanced industrial environment that safeguards the interests of both employers and workers while prioritising workforce reskilling and upskilling to meet the demands of a technology-driven economy," he said.

BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said Bangladesh's future competitiveness would depend not only on cost advantages but also on productivity, innovation and technological capability.

He warned that factories failing to adopt AI and digital technologies would struggle to remain competitive in the coming years and urged the next generation of entrepreneurs to lead the industry's digital transformation.

BGMEA Vice-President Vidiya Amrit Khan said Bangladesh must move beyond contract manufacturing towards innovation, branding and higher value addition.

She said the country should prepare for post-LDC trade realities by improving productivity through AI, automation and Industry 4.0 while investing in design capabilities, product development and women's leadership.

Urmi Group Managing Director Asif Ashraf said automation is no longer optional as rising labour costs and growing global competition demand greater efficiency and productivity.

He encouraged manufacturers to integrate AI into production planning, factory management and decision-making while exploring AI-enabled manufacturing technologies and diversifying into technical and medical textiles.

In his welcome remarks, Bayla President Abrar Hossain Sayem said the traditional business model would no longer be sufficient in tomorrow's global marketplace.

"Think Beyond Today is not merely a slogan; it is a mindset for future competitiveness. The next generation must embrace AI, Industry 4.0 and innovation to lead Bangladesh's apparel industry into its next phase of growth," he said.

Sayem added that the summit aims to strengthen collaboration among policymakers, entrepreneurs, global buyers and development partners while promoting green financing, modern supply chains and supportive policies to address post-LDC challenges.

Sheltech Group Director Tanvir Ahmed said Bangladesh has successfully overcome major challenges, including the post-quota transition and the Covid-19 pandemic, and must now focus on automation, skilled human resources, logistics, shorter lead times, market diversification and value-chain development to remain competitive.

EuroCham Bangladesh Chairperson Nuria Lopez said Bangladesh continues to enjoy strong demand in the European Union market, but future success will increasingly depend on sustainability, environmental compliance and product diversification.

She welcomed growing investments by young entrepreneurs in green factories and advanced technologies.

Delivering the keynote address titled "Scaling Business Beyond Manufacturing: The Power of Distribution and Consumer Experience," Transcom Group CEO Simeen Rahman said Bangladesh is no longer selling garments alone.

"Global customers are buying compliance, sustainability, confidence, innovation and reliability from Bangladesh. Every product carrying the 'Made in Bangladesh' label should represent excellence," she said.

She added that the future of the apparel industry would be shaped not only by technology and manufacturing but also by visionary leadership capable of strengthening Bangladesh's global reputation.