The apparel industry that accounts for 80 per cent of Bangladesh’s total exports is going through a critical phase as the political crisis deepening in the country. Losses are piling up every day due to a decline in orders from international retailers, order cancellation, soaring air freight charges, a production shortfall and higher transportation costs. In this backdrop, the apparel exporters’ platform, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, called an extraordinary general meeting on Wednesday to discuss a way out.

The apparel and textile sector leaders have already held rallies and submitted a memoranda to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia demanding to end the crisis. Atiqul Islam, BGMEA President, is reported to have said that they were not worried about current losses but about the future of the entire garment industry. If the situation does not improve soon, the whole economy will suffer as almost all sectors, like banking, insurance, transportation and port operations, are largely associated with the apparel sector, he said, adding work orders may shift to India, Vietnam or Pakistan due to prolonged political conflict.

The BGMEA has also invited leaders of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association and some transport sectors to attend Wednesday’s meeting. Representatives of 65 international retailers and brands like Walmart, Gap, JC Penney, C&A, Tesco, G-Star, H&M, Target, Inditex and Carrefour have demanded an immediate solution to the crisis at the regular buyers' forum meeting on February 2 in Dhaka. They said the ongoing blockade is interrupting their supply chain.