The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has signed separate agreements with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), and the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) to enhance the skills of workers and professionals in the country's ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The agreements were signed at a ceremony held at the EPB conference room in Dhaka, chaired by EPB Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Mohammad Hasan Arif. Under this initiative, a total of 22,815 workers, employees, and mid-level officials of the RMG sector will receive training over the next three fiscal years—2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29.
Training Details and Objectives
BGMEA and BKMEA will conduct five-day training programs for workers, while BUFT will offer six-month Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) courses for officials. The entire program will be financed through the Ministry of Commerce's training fund. Speaking at the event, Mohammad Hasan Arif emphasized the need to modernize training modules and improve their quality to meet the evolving demands of the global apparel industry. He also stressed the importance of effective monitoring to ensure that trainees can apply their newly-acquired knowledge in the workplace and contribute to the industry's growth.
Benefits and Future Outlook
The training initiative aims to boost productivity, facilitate the efficient use of modern machinery, and enhance the production of high-quality goods capable of meeting international market standards. The program will also focus on increasing awareness of compliance requirements and Rules of Origin regulations in the European Union and other major export destinations. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted the need to update training curricula to incorporate emerging industry needs, including circular machinery operations and compliance-related issues. BKMEA Executive President Fazle Shamim Ehsan expressed optimism that the program would benefit stakeholders at all levels, from factory workers to senior officials. The initiative is also expected to help develop a pool of skilled local professionals, reducing dependence on foreign expertise and contributing to foreign exchange savings.
Key Stakeholders and Support
Among others, EPB Director General Md. Ruhul Amin attended the signing ceremony. The collaboration between EPB, BGMEA, BKMEA, and BUFT signifies a concerted effort to elevate the RMG sector's capabilities and maintain its competitive edge in the global market.
