Productivity across sub-processes in the readymade garment sector has shown notable improvement, with the highest gains observed in the production of jackets, home textiles and lingerie, according to recent findings from the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS).

The study highlighted that investment in research and development has been notably higher in certain products, including home textiles, lingerie, sweaters, woven shirts, and woven trousers.

BIDS research director Kazi Iqbal presented the findings of the study titled ‘Technology Upgradation of the RMG Industries in Bangladesh’ on the second day of the Annual BIDS Conference on Development 2024, held at Lakeshore Hotel on Sunday.

The study was conducted across eight products, 36 processes, and 136 sub-processes involving 43 readymade garment companies.

The four-day conference began on Saturday.

The study revealed that, over time, the number of factory workers per machine has decreased, particularly for machine operators and helpers, as the industry has become more capital-intensive.

A significant expansion of capacity has taken place over the past 10 years, with evidence of greater firm capabilities, including a rise in technical professionals such as BSc and Diploma-qualified textile and industrial engineers, increased use of software, direct exports, and certification.

The share of women in the total labour force has declined from 56 per cent in 2014 to 53 per cent in 2023, with a notable decrease in the jacket sector.

The study also found that the increased capital intensity has both displaced and reinstated workers.