Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly organize the Bangladesh International Textile and Apparel Machinery Exhibition (BITMA), marking a significant step toward strengthening Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry on the global stage.
The MoU was signed on 4th August at the Gulshan Club in Dhaka by BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell and BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, representing their respective organizations.
The partnership aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector, accelerate technology-driven modernization, and support the country’s ambition of achieving US$100 billion in exports. As part of the initiative, BTMA and BGMEA will collaborate with a globally renowned exhibition organizer to host a world-class international exhibition showcasing the latest advancements in automation, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced textile machinery, and sustainable fashion technologies.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior leaders, office bearers, board members, directors, and industry policymakers from both organizations. Among the speakers were Shawkat Aziz Russell, President of BTMA; Mahmud Hasan Khan, President of BGMEA; A. Matin Chowdhury, Former President of BTMA and Managing Director of New Asia Ltd.; Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), Former President of BGMEA and current President of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI); Abdullah Al Mamun, Former Vice President of BTMA; and Mizanur Rahman, Vice President (Finance) of BGMEA.
Key features of the MoU
Under the agreement, a 10-member Joint Organizing Committee will be established to oversee the exhibition’s strategic planning, management, and financial transparency. The committee will consist of five representatives each from BTMA and BGMEA.
The committee’s leadership will rotate annually between the two organizations. During the inaugural year, the Chairman will be nominated by BTMA, while the Co-Chairman will be nominated by BGMEA.
Speaking at the event, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said:
“The global apparel industry is undergoing a transformation driven by artificial intelligence and green technologies. Our goal is to position Bangladesh at the forefront of this revolution. This joint initiative by BTMA and BGMEA will help our industry move toward higher-value manufacturing while reinforcing Bangladesh’s reputation as a trusted global hub for ethical and sustainable apparel production.”
BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell described the agreement as a milestone for the country’s industrial development.
“The textile and apparel sectors are two sides of the same coin. This MoU is not merely about organizing an exhibition—it is about creating a long-term platform for technological transformation, foreign investment, and skills development. By bringing the world’s leading technology providers directly to Dhaka, we will enable our manufacturers to become even more competitive in the global marketplace.”
Industry leaders expressed optimism that the partnership would open new opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI), facilitate technology transfer, and expand global business networks, contributing significantly to the continued growth and modernization of Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry.
