The unease in Bangladesh’s political scenario following the toppling of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina-led government has hit the famed garment industry of the South Asian country with several international businesses now shifting their attention towards India as an alternative source for production.
Sources close to the Surat textile sector told Apparel Resources portal that it is receiving requests from major brands for the manufacture and distribution of ready-to-wear clothing.
They predict that the expansion of Surat’s garment industry, which is currently growing at a pace of 12 percent annually, might accelerate to 20–25 percent if these result remain in order.
They believe that the rising demand can even benefit manufacturing hubs located in other Indian states like Tamil Nadu and Punjab.
Ashish Gujarati, a former president of the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce told the news portal that the garment sector in Surat has essentially been producing low-priced women’s wear, ethnic wear, kurtis and some denim and that there has been an increase in inquiries from large brands after the unrest in Bangladesh started, which serves to majorly benefit the sector.
With worker unrest and political turmoil pushing Bangladesh’s garment sector towards uncertainty, Indian manufacturing hubs are slowly emerging as an alternative option for international brands.
Bangladesh has been witnessing political uncertainty and communal tensions ever since former PM Sheikh Hasina escaped to India amid violent protests against her regime on August 5.
After her departure, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge of the Interim government.
