“Bangladesh Stories”, a new book by Mostafiz Uddin, owner and managing director of Denim Expert Ltd and founder of the Bangladesh Denim Expo, offers an in-depth dive into the country’s garment industry.

The book is a compilation of 100 articles written by Uddin for national and international media on topics such as sustainability, automation, garment workers’ rights and more. In 2021, Uddin embarked on a campaign of sending letters to Western leaders to shed light on the difficulties faced by sourcing countries as a result of the pandemic. In the campaign, he stressed the need for government intervention and support for manufacturers and retailers, encouraging them to reopen stores to keep the supply chain afloat.

Although the opinions expressed in the articles featured in the book are those of Uddin, he said he sought expert advice and commentary before publishing the content. “The experience of writing the articles woke me up and enriched me personally,” Uddin told Rivet.

Through the book, Uddin conveys the strength of the garment industry in Bangladesh, the improvements it has made, and the challenges. “The garment industry is extremely important for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh,” Uddin said, noting that garment exports account for more than 84% of the country’s total exports and about 4 million people are directly employed in the garment industry in Bangladesh.

It also identifies issues that need to be addressed by stakeholders for the sustainable development of the garment industry in Bangladesh. “The garment industry is the lifeline of Bangladesh’s economy, so the country’s development largely depends on the sustainable development of the industry,” Uddin said.

The book is now available in bookstores in Dhaka and can be purchased online at Rokomari.com.

“I hope this book will help to better understand the dynamics and issues in the industry and ultimately act as a catalyst,” he added.