The quota movement in Bangladesh has severely impacted the apparel industry, particularly the readymade garments (RMG) sector. According to some industry insiders, garments exports may drop by 15 to 20 per cent during the next summer season (January to March 2025) due to the recent disruptions.

Though the apparel exporters were looking for a recovery opportunity during the summer season, they are still expecting that the current unrest will not spoil their expectations and they will be able to get better at overcoming the situation.

According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) data, there are approximately 2,200 active apparel factories in the country.

Almost all apparel factories, textile mills, and accessories industries resumed their production at full capacity on 25th July after five days of closure due to student protests demanding quota system reform in jobs, according to the BGMEA office bearers.

SM Mannan Kochi, President BGMEA, highlighted the impact of the protests, stating, “The amount of loss this incident is causing to our image cannot be explained in terms of money. RMG sector incurred a loss of Taka 16,000 crore daily from 20th to 22nd July.”