Bangladesh’s knitwear industry should now move beyond cotton-based products and explore premium and differentiated segments such as wool and wool-rich garments, said Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).
He made the remarks at the “Woolmark Knitwear Seminar” jointly organized by BKMEA and The Woolmark Company at a hotel in Dhaka on 10 May 2026, bringing together local and international industry experts, diplomats, yarn suppliers and knitwear entrepreneurs to discuss wool applications in Bangladesh’s apparel sector.
Mr. Hatem said Bangladesh has already built strong global credibility in cotton-based knitwear, but future export growth will depend on value addition, product diversification and innovation rather than only volume expansion.
“Bangladesh’s next stage of growth will not come only from volume. It will come from value addition, product diversification and stronger innovation,” he said, adding that premium wool segments could help the country strengthen its position in higher-value global markets.
Representatives of The Woolmark Company said Bangladesh has strong potential to develop wool-based knitwear by leveraging Woolmark-supported raw material sourcing and technical assistance. They noted that although wool accounts for only around 1.2% of global apparel volume, it represents nearly 8% of total value, highlighting its premium market positioning.
Mr. Azeezur Rahman Khan said Bangladesh’s strong knitwear manufacturing base provides a solid foundation to move into premium categories, including 100% wool programs and performance apparel.
Clinton Pobke also expressed support for continued collaboration, noting the importance of technical knowledge transfer and product development partnerships.
Riaz Hamidullah, speaking virtually, said wool presents significant future potential as the global apparel industry increasingly shifts toward sustainable and high-value fibers. He stressed the importance of fiber blending, innovation and regional supply chain integration to make wool-based manufacturing commercially viable.
Industry participants at the seminar said Bangladesh’s existing apparel supply chain can be leveraged to import Australian wool and produce higher-value products such as premium knitwear, sportswear and performance garments targeting markets including the EU, US, UK and Japan.
However, stakeholders cautioned that investment in modern warehousing and technical expertise will be essential, as wool requires specialized storage and handling to protect it from moisture, pests and quality degradation.
