Industry leaders and policymakers on Tuesday highlighted the need for technological modernisation and smart manufacturing to ensure the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel industry at the inauguration of GTB 2026 and GAPExpo 2026.
The four-day exhibitions, billed as the country’s largest garment technology events, are being held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).
Jointly organised by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. and the Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), the events are being held alongside the Bangladesh Yarn Fabrics Accessories Show 2026 at the same venue.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP standing committee member and former commerce minister, inaugurated the exhibitions as the chief guest, while National Board of Revenue chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA attended as guest of honour.
Several leaders from trade bodies and the financial sector were also present, including FBCCI administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan, BKMEA president Mohammad Hatem, BGMEA acting president Salim Rahman, Bangladesh Association of Banks chairman Abdul Hai Sarker and BGAPMEA president Md Shahriar.
Addressing the event, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said Bangladesh continues to hold a strong position in the global ready-made garments market but must further enhance capacity to remain competitive.
“We need to move beyond relying solely on labour and place greater emphasis on capacity building, technological advancement and smart manufacturing,” he said, adding that such measures would reduce operational costs, improve efficiency and create new employment opportunities.
National Board of Revenue chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan said Bangladesh has the potential to become a fully industrialised nation if business hurdles are reduced and policy transparency ensured.
“That requires becoming technology-friendly. The more technology-driven we become, the fewer obstacles businesses will face,” he said.
BGAPMEA president Md Shahriar said the association, together with ASK, is working to promote garment machinery, accessories, packaging products and raw materials, while also helping manufacturers connect with new buyers.
“This fair reflects that joint effort to advance the apparel industry,” he said.
GTB 2026 is showcasing a wide range of modern garment machinery, accessories, packaging solutions, yarn and fabrics, offering local manufacturers access to advanced technologies under one roof.
Alongside GTB, GAPExpo 2026—the largest garments accessories and packaging exhibition in the country—and Bangladesh Yarn Fabrics & Accessories 2026 are being held simultaneously.
More than 450 brands from over 15 countries are participating in the exhibitions, displaying products across around 1,500 booths, making the event the largest garment technology showcase in Bangladesh.
ASK Trade & Exhibitions managing director Tipu Sultan Bhuiyan said technological transformation is no longer optional for the garment sector.
“GTB provides a unique platform where entrepreneurs can explore the latest global innovations and directly source technologies best suited for their factories, helping them enhance efficiency and sustainability,” he said.
The exhibitions will remain open to visitors from January 14 to January 17, from 11:00am to 7:00pm each day.
