Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry, with business leaders calling for faster digital adoption to enhance productivity, strengthen supply chains and maintain global competitiveness.
The message emerged from the second edition of NextGen RMG Skills, a virtual industry knowledge-sharing session jointly organised by Textile and Garments Merchandising and Bunon Bee. The webinar attracted more than 150 industry professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs and students, reflecting the sector’s growing interest in AI-driven transformation.
Opening the session, Md. Salauddin, Adviser to Textile and Garments Merchandising and former Director of Reaz Garments Ltd, said the country’s apparel industry is entering a new phase where digital capability will become a key competitive advantage.
“The future of the RMG industry will be shaped by artificial intelligence, enterprise resource planning (ERP), Digital Product Passport (DPP) and sustainability. Professionals must continuously upgrade their skills to remain globally competitive,” he said.
He noted that alongside manufacturing excellence, the industry must invest in technology, innovation and workforce development to meet the changing expectations of global brands and buyers.
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Delivering the keynote presentation, Mohammad Rayhan Khan, Assistant General Manager (Commercial) at Dekko Isho Group, stressed that successful AI adoption begins with reliable business data rather than technology alone. “Data is the foundation. Start small, then scale,” he said.
He explained that AI can streamline commercial operations by improving documentation, demand forecasting, supplier evaluation and supply chain visibility, enabling organisations to make faster and better-informed business decisions.
Rayhan also emphasised that AI should complement human expertise instead of replacing it. “Maintain human oversight. Critical decisions should remain accountable to experienced leaders,” he said.
Sharing perspectives from factory operations, Engr. Rasel Kaium, Manager (QA) at Panam Group, discussed how AI is gradually becoming part of modern quality management systems through predictive analytics, automated inspection and real-time production monitoring. He said these technologies are helping manufacturers improve operational efficiency, minimise defects and maintain international quality standards.
Rasel Kaium said, “Professionals who fail to adopt AI may find it increasingly difficult to remain competitive as industries embrace digital transformation.”
The webinar also featured a live AI workshop conducted by Shohel Hossen Saikat, Founder of Ecoeen, Co-Founder of Bunon Bee and Lead Trainer of AI Mastery 360.
Demonstrating practical AI applications, he showed how professionals can use AI for merchandising, business communication, presentations, marketing and everyday workplace productivity.
“AI will not take away your creativity. Your creativity will always remain your greatest strength. What AI can do is help you multiply your creativity, work faster and achieve more. The competition is no longer company versus company; it is AI-powered companies versus traditional companies,” Saikat said.
He added that AI is already transforming the global fashion industry by accelerating content creation, improving decision-making and increasing business efficiency, making practical AI skills an essential capability for future-ready professionals.
Throughout the discussion, speakers highlighted that AI is no longer a future concept but an increasingly important business tool for sourcing, merchandising, compliance, quality assurance and supply chain management. They stressed that organisations investing in digital skills and AI-enabled workflows today will be better positioned to respond to evolving buyer expectations and compete in the global marketplace.
The webinar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session on AI adoption, digital transformation and the future skills required to strengthen Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry.
The organisers said NextGen RMG Skills aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by providing professionals and students with practical knowledge of artificial intelligence, sustainability and emerging technologies that will shape the future of the country’s RMG sector.