Prime Minister’s Adviser and PMO spokesperson Mahdi Amin has said Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) industry can achieve 100 percent domestic employment without relying on foreign officials and experts.
“Even after half a century of this industry, foreign officials and experts are still brought in to work in many factories and buying houses. But we have the talent, skills and competence to become fully self-reliant,” he said.
He made the remarks at a discussion titled “Innovation in Apparel and Textile: Driving Competitiveness and Growth” organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology at Novo Theatre as part of the Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026.
Mahdi Amin said the government is giving the highest priority to creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people and increasing demand for Bangladeshi workers in the international labour market.
He said pragmatic steps are being taken to strengthen links among technical education, industry and academia and promote public-private partnerships through curriculum reform.
Describing the RMG sector as an important part of Bangladesh’s economic heritage, the adviser highlighted its contribution to women’s empowerment and recalled the policies introduced during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman that helped lay the foundation of the industry.
He said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working to modernise the sector by reopening closed factories, simplifying incentives and holding discussions with stakeholders including BGMEA and BTMA.
Regarding technology, Mahdi Amin said workers’ jobs must not be taken away in the name of technological advancement. He stressed the need to maintain a balance between technological modernisation and protection of human resources.
He also called for stronger links between university education and practical factory work. He proposed postgraduate and diploma courses, internships, career fairs and the establishment of Centres of Excellence to help students gain practical skills.
The adviser said the government is also considering providing seed capital for startup projects led by young innovators.
Leaders from the apparel, textile, education, banking and government sectors participated in the discussion.
After the programme, Mahdi Amin visited innovative stalls of government and private organisations, universities and startups participating in the three-day Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026.
