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Although Bangladesh’s initial recovery has been good, it is too early to gauge exactly how far the country has come given that its major export markets have been badly hit by a second wave of infections, said Tanvir, also director of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For many years now, the International Labour Organisation, retailers and brands have taught lessons on compliance but during the garment sector’s darkest hour, their lack of follow-through has been exposed, said Mohammad Hatem, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

2021 will be a challenging year but a lot of opportunities will come at the same time, according to Saiful Islam, managing director of Picard Bangladesh.

“We received 30 per cent fewer orders for next season in the leather sector due to the outbreak,” said Islam, also president of the Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh.