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On October 21, 2024, LightCastle Partners, in partnership with The Policy Exchange Bangladesh, hosted the concluding session of the Automation Dialogue Series under the Bunon 2030 initiative. The event convened industry leaders, policymakers, development partners, and academicians to chart a sustainable path for integrating automation into Bangladesh’s ReadyMade Garments (RMG) industry.
The Automation Dialogue Series is part of the Bunon 2030 initiative under the “Oporajita: Collective Impact on the Future of Work in Bangladesh” project supported by The Asia Foundation and funded by the H&M Foundation. . This initiative focuses on addressing critical challenges in automation, sustainability, and workforce transformation.
The event brought together policymakers, development partners, academicians, and industry leaders to deliberate on strategies for automation integration and its implications for sustainability, workforce upskilling, and the industry’s global competitiveness.
The panel discussion featured prominent voices from Bangladesh’s RMG ecosystem, including:
Zahedul Amin, Cofounder and Director at LightCastle Partners, delivered the keynote address. Highlighting the broader implications of automation, he emphasized that “The integration of automation into Bangladesh’s RMG sector is more than just a technological shift—it’s about preparing our workforce and enterprises to thrive in a competitive global landscape, while adhering to sustainability goals.”
Panelists explored a range of issues, including:
During the discussion, Shams Mahmud emphasized the importance of collaboration between manufacturers and policymakers to bridge systemic gaps, particularly in financing and training initiatives. Masrur Reaz called for actionable policy frameworks to incentivize automation while ensuring equitable workforce transitions.
Mohsina Yasmin underlined BIDA’s commitment to facilitating investments that align with both technological innovation and sustainability.
The dialogue revealed a consensus that automation, when paired with targeted workforce training programs and appropriate policies, has the potential to solidify Bangladesh’s leadership in the global RMG industry.
The event also hosted a Future Forward Showcase, presenting innovative solutions aimed at reducing the sector’s carbon footprint while improving production efficiency. Technologies spotlighted included energy saving systems, AI driven monitoring tools, and modular machinery designed to reduce waste.
Closing the session, Md. Nazrul Islam, General Secretary, FIAB, urged for focused action on integrating workforce training with automation goals. He remarked: “Sustained investment in technology and skills development is critical to securing Bangladesh’s RMG leadership globally.”
As Bangladesh’s RMG sector navigates the complexities of automation, sustainability, and global competitiveness, the insights shared during the dialogue serve as a roadmap for the industry. By fostering collaboration across stakeholders, embracing technology, and prioritizing workforce development, the industry is well-positioned to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
For a detailed overview and actionable recommendations from the event, download the full supplement here
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If you are interested to learn more about the Bunon 2030 Initiative
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