Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBA) has expressed deep concern over restrictions and procedural requirements proposed for the import of knit fabrics under the draft Import Policy Order 2026–29.
BGBA said the proposed provisions, if retained in their current form, could affect the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s export-oriented ready-made garment sector, the timely execution of orders and the confidence of international buyers.
BGBA President Md. Abdul Hamid and the board of directors said the development and strengthening of the domestic textile industry was important. At the same time, they said the international competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel sector, buyer-specific requirements, product diversity, quality, technical specifications and the ability to deliver products on time should also be considered.
The association said not all types of knit fabrics were always available domestically in the required quality, variety, technical specifications, quantities and prices.
In many cases, it said, orders could not be executed without importing buyer-nominated or specialised fabrics.
“Imposing unreasonable restrictions on the import of such fabrics could increase production costs, lengthen lead times and create complications in order execution,” BGBA said.
The association said international buyers could consider alternative sourcing destinations as a result, which could negatively affect Bangladesh’s exports, foreign exchange earnings, employment and overall industrial capacity.
BGBA also said the proposed Import Policy Order 2026–29 included various approvals and procedural requirements for imports, including recommendations from relevant associations.
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According to BGBA, mandatory recommendations or additional procedures could create unnecessary bureaucratic complications, administrative delays and business obstacles. As international buyers’ orders are highly time-sensitive, delays in obtaining approval or recommendations for specialised fabrics could directly affect production and shipment schedules, it said.
BGBA called on the government to:
- Cancel or withdraw the proposed restrictions on knit fabric imports under the Import Policy Order 2026–29 in their current form.
Hold detailed, effective and meaningful discussions with BGMEA, BKMEA, BGBA, representatives of the textile sector and all relevant stakeholders before finalising any policy. - Conduct a practical and data-based assessment of which knit fabrics are being produced domestically in sufficient quantities and at competitive prices and which fabrics are essential to import.
- Ensure imports of specialised, technical, high-value and buyer-specific fabrics that are not readily available domestically at the required quality or specifications.
- Reconsider procedural requirements, including mandatory association recommendations, that could create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and delays, and ensure a fast, simple and business-friendly import system.
- In future policymaking, consider the development and investment of the domestic textile industry alongside the RMG sector’s price competitiveness, lead time, buyer requirements and position in international markets.
BGBA President and the board said strengthening the domestic textile industry and maintaining Bangladesh’s export capacity and competitiveness were not contradictory objectives.
The association said both objectives could be achieved through a balanced, effective and export-friendly policy based on realities, industry capacity and the views of all stakeholders.
BGBA therefore urged the government to withdraw the relevant provisions of the proposed Import Policy Order 2026–29 in their current form and reconsider the issue through coordinated discussions with all stakeholders.