Dhaka International Textile and Garment Machinery Exhibition (DTG) was officially inaugurated on February 20 at the International Convention City, Bashundhara (ICCB), Dhaka.

This marks the 19th edition of the exhibition, which has been organised annually since 2004 by the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) in collaboration with Yorkers Trade and Marketing Service Co., Limited, Hong Kong.

The exhibition was inaugurated by commerce adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin. The event was chaired by BTMA president Shawkat Aziz Russell and featured special guests including Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association executive president Fazle Shamim Ehsan, FBCCI administrator Mohammad Hafizur Rahman and overseas director of Yorkers Trade and Marketing Service Co Limited Akai Lin.

Other notable attendees included BTMA vice-president Shamim Islam and BTMA director Abdullah Al Mamun.

In his address, Sheikh Bashiruddin highlighted the importance of reducing production costs and encouraged the increased use of renewable energy, particularly solar power.

He advised businesses to invest in solar energy as an alternative to gas and rural electricity and recommended purchasing solar panels at competitive prices.

The adviser also emphasised the need for businesses to improve efficiency and reduce fixed costs in order to remain competitive, especially as Bangladesh moves beyond its least developed country (LDC) status, potentially losing preferential market advantages.

This year’s event featured 1,600 stalls from 33 countries, showcasing the latest textile and garment machinery, technologies, and innovations. Over 1,100 leading brands from around the world, including those from China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey, participated in the exhibition.

Visitors had the opportunity to see a wide range of exhibits, including textile machinery, fabrics, filaments, chemicals, dyeing technologies and accessories.

In addition to the exhibition, DTG 2025 hosted four seminars discussing critical issues within the textile industry.

Topics included the use of natural dyes in textiles, the challenges and opportunities of synthetic fibres, sustainability in the textile industry, and the potential for recycling and circular economies within the sector.

The event also featured a two-day fashion show on 21-22 February 2025 at Hall 3 of ICCB.

DTG provides an essential platform for both local and international industry professionals, manufacturers, and suppliers to connect under one roof.

The exhibition serves as an important event for stakeholders in Bangladesh’s textile and garment industries, aiming to attract investment and foster the introduction of advanced technologies.

It also offers a global stage to showcase Bangladesh and BTMA’s efforts in advancing the industry.

FBCCI administrator Hafizur Rahman underscored the vital role that machinery fairs like DTG play in addressing the future challenges of the industry.

BTMA president Shawkat Aziz Russell reflected on the $22 billion already invested in the textile sector, enabling Bangladesh to supply 100 per cent knitwear for the country’s export-oriented ready-made garment industry.

He said that long-term forecasts from the government on gas prices and bank interest rates would provide much-needed clarity for investors, urging the government to provide stability to encourage further investment.

DTG 2025 continues to be a significant event for the global textile industry, reinforcing Bangladesh’s position as a key player in the textile and garment manufacturing sector.