Readymade garments (RMG) account for a staggering 85 percent of Bangladesh’s total exports. The textile sector of the country provides all the raw materials to the export-oriented industry.

Most of the materials produced in the mills and factories are cotton products. Therefore, cotton can be described as the main component of the huge industrial activities. However, Bangladesh produces a negligible amount of cotton. As a result, the country has to rely on imports of this all important product.

Currently, the yearly demand of cotton stands at more or less 8.5 million bales (1 bale equals to roughly 218 kilograms). Despite purchasing cotton from different countries, the country was dependent on India for cotton imports for a long time.

There has been a change in the source with the time. Within four to five years, Africans countries have taken over India. At present, more than 50 percent of the cotton Bangladesh needs is coming from the African countries.

Source: bonikbarta