A growing number of international apparel buyers are calling off their scheduled trips and meetings in Bangladesh, raising fears that work orders for the next two production seasons could be disrupted due to heightened security worries and ongoing political uncertainty.

Industry leaders from the garment, textile and allied sectors on November 17 urged the government to ensure political stability and a stronger law-and-order environment to protect the business climate and maintain buyers’ confidence.

Their remarks came at a discussion titled ‘Business Crisis and Negative Export Trends: The Way Forward,’ held at Uttara Club in Dhaka and chaired by former Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association president Kazi Moniruzzaman.

Participants highlighted a range of challenges facing the sector, including the impending LDC graduation, proposed amendments to labour legislation — particularly the provision allowing a trade union to be formed by only 20 workers — as well as factory closures and rising levels of unemployment.

BGMEA president Mahmud Hasan Khan outlined the difficulties currently confronting the industry and warned that Bangladesh is not adequately prepared for LDC graduation as scheduled for November next year.

He stressed the need for a stable, predictable and supportive policy framework, in addition to improvements in public security.

Former BGMEA president Faruque Hassan said many buyers remain worried about security and political instability and are therefore postponing or cancelling meetings.

The national election must be held on time and buyers’ confidence preserved to ensure continued work orders, he said.

Faruque said that the negative trend in garment export growth over the past three months is a worrying signal and may continue for several more months.

Echoing his concern, Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association president Mohammad Pabel said buyers currently do not feel safe travelling or visiting factories, which could lead to orders being diverted to other sourcing destinations.

Sparrow Group managing director Shovon Islam said buyers have been expressing concerns about their safety since 12 November.

He said that the period from mid-November to December is crucial for the sector, as global brands typically visit factories to finalise their summer collections and place fresh orders for the following spring season.

Four major buyers from the US, UK and EU have already cancelled factory visits and have opted to hold meetings in hotels instead, he added.

Industry leaders criticised the government’s decision to allow 20 workers to form a trade union, arguing that, if implemented, the rule could open the door to external interference and create instability within the sector.

They also reported that around 258 garment factories have closed over the past year, resulting in job losses for more than 100,000 workers.

Businesses called for consistent policy support, improved operational efficiency at Chattogram port and a reduction in the recently increased port charges.

They also advocated representation of the business community in the upcoming national election.

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association president Showkat Aziz Russel and Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association leader Mohammad Shahriar also spoke at the event.