BTKG Expo 2026 to Showcase Next-Gen Textile Tech, Machinery and Global Innovation in Dhaka
The Bangladesh International Textile, Knitting and Garment Industry Exhibition (BTKG Expo 2026) is set to begin on Wednesday, 29 April at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) premises in the capital, aiming to showcase the latest technology, dyes, chemicals, and machinery to entrepreneurs in the country’s apparel and textile sector.
The four-day exhibition, jointly organized by BKMEA and Inforchain Digital Technology Company Limited, will continue until 2 May. More than 1,000 exhibitors from around 30 countries, including Canada, China, Taiwan, Belgium, France, India, Japan, Vietnam, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, will participate. The event will span 20,000 square meters across eight ICCB exhibition halls, featuring approximately 1,800 booths.
The information was disclosed on Saturday, 25 April, at a press conference held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital, by Mohammad Hatem, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).
Organizers stated that over 1,000 exhibitors from around 30 countries will take part. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has agreed to attend the opening ceremony on 29 April as the chief guest, while Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir will be present as a special guest. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintu is expected to attend the closing ceremony on 2 May afternoon as the chief guest.
At the press conference, Mohammad Hatem said that the ready-made garment sector has long served as the main driving force of the country’s economy. In the 2024–25 fiscal year, the sector generated approximately 39 billion US dollars in export earnings, accounting for more than 80 percent of total export revenue. It contributes 12–13 percent to the national GDP and has created employment for more than 4 million people.
He stated that to remain competitive globally, the industry must move toward more technology-driven, efficient, and sustainable production systems. Such international exhibitions, he added, will help advance that transition.
In response to a question, Mohammad Hatem said that although the fair was previously organized by another body, it did not take place this year under that arrangement. In this context, entrepreneurs believe that regardless of business conditions, Bangladesh risks losing market share and export orders shifting to other countries if it fails to keep pace with modern technology.
He further noted that the global fashion industry is rapidly shifting toward fast fashion, recycling, and the circular economy, making adoption of new technologies essential. The main objective of the event is to familiarize sector stakeholders with these advancements. Although the exhibition is usually held in January, it has been organized in April this year due to various reasons, with hopes of returning to January scheduling next year.
The BKMEA president also said that the global economy remains unstable due to post-COVID-19 conditions, the Russia-Ukraine war, and ongoing geopolitical tensions, which have affected Bangladesh as well. To recover and attract international buyers, the initiative has been taken to showcase technology and capacity through the exhibition.
Companies from Bangladesh as well as Canada, China, Taiwan, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates will display their products and technologies. The exhibition will feature textile machinery, dyes and chemicals, sewing and weaving technologies, embroidery, cutting and sewing machines, washing and dry-cleaning technologies, and other modern equipment.
Fazle Shamin Ehsan, Executive President of BKMEA and Convener of BTKG 2026, said that such initiatives, even amid ongoing crises, will encourage investors and create opportunities for new entrepreneurs through exposure to emerging technologies.
According to sources, in addition to the main exhibition attractions, special seminars have been arranged to enhance industry knowledge. During the event, BKMEA, BUETEX, and Textile Today will jointly organize three important seminars, where domestic and international experts will discuss the current global situation of the garment industry, modern technological advancements, and future business strategies. These discussions are expected to provide local entrepreneurs with guidance to face new challenges in the global market.
The exhibition will remain open to visitors daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It will offer garment and textile entrepreneurs, technicians, and students a unique opportunity to become familiar with modern machinery and raw materials. Organizers expect that the fair will not only strengthen business networks but also play a significant role in positioning Bangladesh’s apparel sector as more competitive and globally strong.
DBTech/JNO/EK/OR
