Bangladesh has solidified its position as the world’s second-largest exporter of ready-made garments (RMG), trailing only China. With exports reaching $50 billion by December 2024, an 8.3% increase from the previous year, the RMG sector accounts for 80.7% of the country’s total export earnings and 12.36% of its GDP. Employing over 4.5 million workers, predominantly women, and operating more than 4,000 factories, Bangladesh’s garment industry is a cornerstone of its economy. Renowned for competitive pricing, skilled labor, and a robust supply chain, the country is also a global leader in sustainable manufacturing, boasting 150 LEED-certified green factories, with nine of the top 10 eco-friendly platinum LEED factories worldwide. This blog post explores the top 20 garment factories in Bangladesh, highlighting their contributions to the industry, sustainability efforts, and global impact.
The Rise of Bangladesh’s Garment Industry
The garment industry in Bangladesh began its ascent in the 1980s, fueled by the Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA), which limited apparel exports from established Asian manufacturers, creating opportunities for Bangladesh. Low labor costs, a young and abundant workforce, and duty-free access to markets like the EU due to its Least Developed Country (LDC) status propelled growth. By 2021, the industry contributed $46 billion to the nation’s $368 billion GDP, with RMG exports making up 82% of total exports. Despite challenges like the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, which exposed safety issues, Bangladesh has made strides in compliance, worker safety, and sustainability through initiatives like the Accord on Fire and Building Safety and the RMG Sustainability Council. Today, the industry is a global hub for apparel sourcing, serving brands like H&M, Zara, Gap, and Nike.
Criteria for Selecting the Top 20 Garment Factories
The factories listed here were chosen based on their production capacity, export volume, workforce size, sustainability practices, compliance with international standards (e.g., BSCI, SEDEX, WRAP), and partnerships with major global brands. Data from sources like the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), industry reports, and web resources informed the selection. The list reflects factories that have demonstrated excellence in quality, innovation, and ethical practices as of March 2024.
Top 20 Garment Factories in Bangladesh
1. Ha-Meem Group
- Established: 1984
- Employees: 50,000+
- Production Capacity: 7 million pieces/month
- Key Products: Denim, shirts, jackets, sportswear
- Clients: H&M, Zara, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger
- Headquarters: Tejgaon, Dhaka
- Sustainability: LEED-certified facilities, eco-friendly washing plants
Ha-Meem Group is Bangladesh’s largest garment manufacturer, operating 26 factories with 300 production lines. In 2020–21, it exported garments worth $582.7 million. Known for its comprehensive facilities, including embroidery, printing, and dyeing, Ha-Meem prioritizes sustainability and compliance, making it a preferred partner for global fashion brands.
2. Beximco Fashions Ltd.
- Established: 1997
- Employees: 70,000+
- Production Capacity: 6 million pieces/year
- Key Products: Dress shirts, casual shirts
- Clients: PVH, American Eagle, Mango
- Headquarters: Savar, Dhaka
- Sustainability: Investments in green technology
Beximco, part of Beximco Group, is a leading export-oriented manufacturer located in the Dhaka Export Processing Zone. Its focus on high-quality shirts and commitment to sustainable practices have earned it a strong reputation in North America and Europe.
3. Square Fashions Ltd.
- Established: 1997
- Employees: 20,000+
- Production Capacity: 2 million pieces/month
- Key Products: Knitwear, circular knit fabrics
- Clients: Gap, Gymboree, Zara
- Headquarters: Uttara, Dhaka
- Sustainability: LEED Gold-certified factories
Square Fashions, part of Square Group, operates two garment and two fabric units. It provides workers with free housing, meals, and medical services, emphasizing ethical labor practices. Its sustainable facilities align with global green standards.
4. DBL Group
- Established: 1991
- Employees: 45,000+
- Production Capacity: 13 million pieces/month
- Key Products: Knitwear, women’s and children’s clothing
- Clients: H&M, Walmart, Puma
- Headquarters: Kawran Bazar, Dhaka
- Sustainability: 204 LEED-certified factories by 2023
DBL Group is a diversified conglomerate with a strong garment division. Its knitwear production is divided into 40% women’s, 40% children’s, and 20% men’s clothing. DBL’s commitment to sustainability includes solar energy and waste management initiatives.
5. Epyllion Group
- Established: 1994
- Employees: 20,000+
- Production Capacity: 50,000 kg/day (knitting)
- Key Products: Knitwear, textiles
- Clients: Marks & Spencer, Adidas, ASOS
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Sustainability: Vertically integrated green factories
Epyllion is a major knitwear exporter with a vertically integrated setup, including knitting, dyeing, and garment production. Its focus on Europe (84% of exports) and sustainable practices makes it a standout.
6. Opex & Sinha Textiles Group
- Established: 1982
- Employees: 17,000+
- Production Capacity: $300 million annual exports
- Key Products: Knitwear, denim
- Clients: Sears, Kmart, Walmart
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Sustainability: Modern spinning and dyeing units
Opex & Sinha is a leading exporter with extensive backward linkage facilities. Its focus on compliance and eco-friendly production has solidified its global presence.
7. Fakir Group
- Established: 1989
- Employees: 10,000+
- Production Capacity: 3.6 million pieces/year
- Key Products: Knit garments, labels
- Clients: H&M, C&A, Mexx
- Headquarters: Narayanganj, Dhaka
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly production techniques
Fakir Group combines knit garment manufacturing with label and packaging services. Its reputation for quality and reliability makes it a key player.
8. Ananta Group
- Established: 1992
- Employees: 26,000+
- Production Capacity: $300 million annual turnover
- Key Products: Jeans, shirts, sweaters
- Clients: Next, Levi’s, Joe Fresh
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Sustainability: LEED Platinum-certified denim factory
Ananta Group is a global leader with a focus on sustainable manufacturing. Its investment in a lingerie factory in Chittagong highlights its diversification efforts.
9. Palmal Group
- Established: 1984
- Employees: 25,000+
- Production Capacity: 2 million pieces/month
- Key Products: Knitwear, sweaters
- Clients: Gap, H&M, Walmart
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Sustainability: Largest washing plant in Bangladesh
Palmal Group is known for its extensive facilities, including a massive washing plant. Its commitment to quality and compliance drives its success.
10. Nassa Group
- Established: 1990
- Employees: 20,000+
- Production Capacity: 1.5 million pieces/month
- Key Products: Pants, blouses, jackets
- Clients: H&M, Walmart, Kmart
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly dyeing processes
Nassa Group serves major markets in the US, Canada, and the EU. Its focus on sustainable production and worker welfare enhances its global appeal.
11. Mohammadi Group
- Established: 1988
- Employees: 15,000+
- Production Capacity: $200 million annual exports
- Key Products: Shirts, pants, jackets
- Clients: Zara, JCPenney, Kmart
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Sustainability: Investments in green technology
Mohammadi Group operates across multiple sectors but excels in garments, with a focus on compliance and sustainability.
12. Viyellatex Group
- Established: 1996
- Employees: 15,000+
- Production Capacity: 1 million pieces/month
- Key Products: T-shirts, polo shirts
- Clients: Puma, Esprit, Tom Tailor
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Sustainability: LEED-certified facilities
Viyellatex offers end-to-end solutions, from cotton sourcing to logistics. Its sustainable practices and in-house printing facilities set it apart.
13. Standard Group
- Established: 1984
- Employees: 40,000+
- Production Capacity: 3 million pieces/month
- Key Products: Pants, shirts, denim
- Clients: Gap, Zara, Abercrombie & Fitc
- Headquarters: Mohakhali, Dhaka
- Sustainability: Second-largest washing plant in Asia
Standard Group is one of the oldest and most experienced manufacturers, with a strong focus on quality and worker welfare.
14. AKH Group
- Established: 1998
- Employees: 12,000+
- Production Capacity: 1.2 million pieces/month
- Key Products: Knitwear, sweaters
- Clients: H&M, Next, Mango
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly production
AKH Group is known for its compliance with international standards and sustainable manufacturing processes.
15. Noman Group
- Established: 1985
- Employees: 30,000+
- Production Capacity: 2.5 million pieces/month
- Key Products: Denim, knitwear
- Clients: Levi’s, H&M, Zara
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Sustainability: LEED-certified factories
Noman Group is a major denim and knitwear producer with a strong emphasis on sustainability and compliance.
16. Pacific Jeans Ltd.
- Established: 1995
- Employees: 10,000+
- Production Capacity: 1 million pieces/month
- Key Products: Denim, casual wear
- Clients: Gap, Uniqlo, Zara
- Headquarters: Chittagong
- Sustainability: Green manufacturing practices
Pacific Jeans is a leading denim manufacturer with a focus on quality and eco-friendly production.
17. Al-Muslim Group
- Established: 1990
- Employees: 25,000–30,000
- Production Capacity: $205.6 million annual exports
- Key Products: Denim, knitwear
- Clients: Walmart, Kmart, Zara
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Sustainability: Gold medal for export contributions
Al-Muslim Group ranks among Bangladesh’s top five apparel exporters, with a strong focus on sustainability.
18. Asian Apparels Ltd.
- Established: 1992
- Employees: 30,000+
- Production Capacity: 700,000 pieces/year
- Key Products: Knitwear, denim
- Clients: H&M, C&A, OVS
- Headquarters: Chittagong
- Sustainability: Compliance with ethical standards
Asian Apparels is a composite manufacturer with spinning, dyeing, and washing facilities, emphasizing sustainability.
19. Masco Industries Ltd.
- Established: 1987
- Employees: 1,970+
- Production Capacity: $6 million annual knit sales
- Key Products: Knit garments
- Clients: H&M, Puma, Esprit
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Sustainability: BSCI and SEDEX compliance
Masco Industries is a key knitwear exporter with a focus on small to medium orders and ethical practices.
20. Posh Garments
- Established: 1984
- Employees: 1,200+
- Production Capacity: 500,000 pieces/month
- Key Products: Ladies’ garments
- Clients: H&M, Marks & Spencer, ASOS
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Sustainability: LEED-certified facilities
Posh Garments specializes in high-quality ladies’ apparel, with a focus on sustainability and compliance.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its success, Bangladesh’s garment industry faces challenges, including low wages (minimum wage of 8,000 taka, roughly $71/month), poor working conditions, and automation-driven job cuts. A 2023 survey indicated that 80% of Dhaka’s factories plan to adopt semi-automated machines, potentially reducing the workforce by 22%. The 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which led to $3.8 billion in canceled orders, highlighted vulnerabilities. However, opportunities abound. Bangladesh’s leadership in green manufacturing, with 204 LEED-certified factories by 2023, aligns with global demand for sustainable fashion. Digital marketing and technological innovation can further enhance competitiveness.
The Path Forward
To maintain its global edge, Bangladesh’s garment factories must invest in automation, upskill workers, and strengthen digital marketing to reach international buyers. Collaboration with organizations like Avista Digital for SEO and website design can enhance visibility. Additionally, addressing wage disparities and improving working conditions will ensure long-term sustainability and worker welfare. The BGMEA’s goal of $50 billion in exports by 2021 was achieved in 2024, signaling the industry’s resilience and potential for further growth.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s top 20 garment factories exemplify the nation’s prowess in the global apparel industry. From Ha-Meem Group’s massive production capacity to Posh Garments’ focus on niche markets, these factories drive economic growth, employ millions, and lead in sustainable manufacturing. As the industry navigates challenges like automation and wage protests, its commitment to innovation, compliance, and green practices positions Bangladesh as a cornerstone of the global fashion supply chain. For brands seeking quality, affordability, and sustainability, Bangladesh’s garment factories remain unmatched.
