Bangladesh’s flagship apparel and textile exhibition, BATEXPO, is set to return in November this year after a 12-year pause, as the country’s garment manufacturers look to showcase an evolving industry to the world.

The two-day event, organised by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), will bring together global buyers, industry leaders, policymakers, media and influencers in the capital, offering a platform to experience Bangladesh’s manufacturing capabilities, explore innovation, and foster new business collaborations.

Masud Kabir, a member of the Steering Committee of Bangladesh Apparel and Textile Exhibition (BATEXPO) 2026, said the expo will open on 18 November at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in Dhaka.

Organisers are hopeful that the prime minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the event, while the trade body is also seeking a slot in the president’s schedule to attend the closing ceremony.

Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice president of BGMEA, confirmed the association’s efforts to secure the president’s participation.

Traditionally, BATEXPO has been inaugurated by the prime minister, with the leader of the opposition attending the closing ceremony as chief guest.

The upcoming edition will centre on circular economy initiatives, workplace compliance and strategic networking, according to organisers, and is intended to showcase Bangladesh’s transformation into a global hub for sustainable, safe and innovative apparel manufacturing, reinforcing the country’s standing as a preferred sourcing destination.

First launched in 1989, BATEXPO was once regarded as one of Bangladesh’s largest international trade exhibitions for the ready-made garment and textile sector, with its last edition held in 2012.

The expo will feature high-level panel discussions with international experts, business leaders and journalists examining global sourcing realities, market shifts and emerging trade opportunities.

Dedicated stalls will showcase raw material suppliers, machinery manufacturers and technology providers, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, smart automation and eco-friendly manufacturing.

Guided tours will also be arranged for foreign buyers to visit Bangladesh’s state-of-the-art green garment units, offering direct insight into the country’s environmental compliance, workplace safety and sustainable production standards.

Building on more than 45 years as a global manufacturing powerhouse, BGMEA intends for BATEXPO 2026 to serve as a pivotal platform in transitioning Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector toward high-value, technology-driven and sustainable production.