Four RMG exporters share how BRAC University students can shape industry’s future
BRAC University hosted a seminar titled “Nurturing Leaders at Home: Shaping the Next Generation in RMG” on the Merul Badda campus on 26 August 2025.
Four representatives of Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) industry were invited by the seminar’s organizers, BRAC University Economics Club, to recommend ways to reduce the academia-industry gap.
The four are Tanvir Ahmed, managing director of Sheltech Group and Envoy Legacy, Abrar Hossain Sayem, director of Sayem Group and president of Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Alliance (BAYLA), Abrar Alam Khan, director of Asrotex Group, and Lithe M Mohiuddin, director of Lithe Group.
Together, they shared their experiences and perspectives on how Bangladesh’s $40 billion RMG industry can be transformed into a $100 billion industry in the coming decades through the participation of youth, innovation and policy reforms.
The panel collectively highlighted that the RMG industry has opportunities beyond blue-collar jobs, including roles in risk analysis, export investment, supply chain strategy, AI adoption, and market research where economics and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates can contribute significantly.
They stressed the need for internships, factory visits, and hands-on training to prepare the next generation of leaders.
Altogether, these will also advance United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry Innovation and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Tanvir Ahmed highlighted the resilience of the RMG industry, citing how during the COVID-19 pandemic, his company avoided workforce cuts, which later paid off with a 280 percent profit growth.
He stressed the importance of adaptability, out-of-the-box practices, and maintaining strong ties with workers.
He also pointed out that Bangladesh currently spends around $5 billion annually on foreign professionals in managerial and technical roles due to limited interest and skill exposure of local graduates.
Abrar Hossain Sayem underscored the importance of youth in shaping the future of the sector, noting that their fresh perspectives have already influenced state policies, white papers and think tank programs.
He urged students to become proactive changemakers for Bangladesh’s economy.
Lithe M Mohiuddin shared how international academic and professional exposure has helped her develop empathy, adaptability, and global communication skills, which are vital for today’s RMG leadership.
She also spoke on women’s roles in the sector, noting the increasing availability of childcare and workplace facilities for female professionals, which are breaking stereotypes and opening new career pathways.
Abrar Alam Khan encouraged students from private universities to explore careers in supply chain, export strategy, and client relations, which remain largely untapped.
He also emphasized the need for specific skills such as HR management, communication, digital tools, and international standards training to excel in the global RMG market.
The session concluded with a call to action for students to embrace the RMG sector as a platform to grow as leaders, contribute to Bangladesh’s economic future, and eventually reduce dependency on foreign professionals.
The discussion was moderated by Sifat Islam Ishty, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Economics and Social Sciences at BRAC University.
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BRAC University hosted a seminar titled “Nurturing Leaders at Home: Shaping the Next Generation in RMG” on the Merul Badda campus on 26 August 2025.
Four representatives of Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) industry were invited by the seminar’s organizers, BRAC University Economics Club, to recommend ways to reduce the academia-industry gap.
The four are Tanvir Ahmed, managing director of Sheltech Group and Envoy Legacy, Abrar Hossain Sayem, director of Sayem Group and president of Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Alliance (BAYLA), Abrar Alam Khan, director of Asrotex Group, and Lithe M Mohiuddin, director of Lithe Group.
Together, they shared their experiences and perspectives on how Bangladesh’s $40 billion RMG industry can be transformed into a $100 billion industry in the coming decades through the participation of youth, innovation and policy reforms.
The panel collectively highlighted that the RMG industry has opportunities beyond blue-collar jobs, including roles in risk analysis, export investment, supply chain strategy, AI adoption, and market research where economics and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates can contribute significantly.
They stressed the need for internships, factory visits, and hands-on training to prepare the next generation of leaders.
Altogether, these will also advance United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry Innovation and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Tanvir Ahmed highlighted the resilience of the RMG industry, citing how during the COVID-19 pandemic, his company avoided workforce cuts, which later paid off with a 280 percent profit growth.
He stressed the importance of adaptability, out-of-the-box practices, and maintaining strong ties with workers.
He also pointed out that Bangladesh currently spends around $5 billion annually on foreign professionals in managerial and technical roles due to limited interest and skill exposure of local graduates.
Abrar Hossain Sayem underscored the importance of youth in shaping the future of the sector, noting that their fresh perspectives have already influenced state policies, white papers and think tank programs.
He urged students to become proactive changemakers for Bangladesh’s economy.
Lithe M Mohiuddin shared how international academic and professional exposure has helped her develop empathy, adaptability, and global communication skills, which are vital for today’s RMG leadership.
She also spoke on women’s roles in the sector, noting the increasing availability of childcare and workplace facilities for female professionals, which are breaking stereotypes and opening new career pathways.
Abrar Alam Khan encouraged students from private universities to explore careers in supply chain, export strategy, and client relations, which remain largely untapped.
He also emphasized the need for specific skills such as HR management, communication, digital tools, and international standards training to excel in the global RMG market.
The session concluded with a call to action for students to embrace the RMG sector as a platform to grow as leaders, contribute to Bangladesh’s economic future, and eventually reduce dependency on foreign professionals.
The discussion was moderated by Sifat Islam Ishty, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Economics and Social Sciences at BRAC University.