The used clothing trade in Chattogram has transformed into a massive industry valued at over a thousand crore taka. While this sector has created employment for a vast number of people in the port city, the overall condition of the industry remains highly precarious, according to sources.
A Trade of Enormous Scale
Sources indicate that through the import, processing, and resale of used clothing across various markets and warehouses in Chattogram, transactions exceeding a thousand crore taka occur annually. Wholesale buyers from different parts of the country travel here to procure these garments. Although the sector contributes significantly to the local economy, it lacks formal recognition and planned development.A Portrait of Dilapidation
Despite its vast economic potential, the sector's infrastructure is extremely fragile. Unplanned warehouses, a lack of adequate security, and the absence of modern processing machinery mean traders face numerous obstacles daily. Furthermore, due to a lack of oversight from regulatory bodies, there is a significant deficit of transparency and accountability in the sector, which poses a major barrier to its sustainable long-term growth.Economic Significance and the Way Forward
Experts suggest that this used clothing trade could play a vital role in the national economy, not just Chattogram's. However, this requires granting the sector formal recognition, building modern infrastructure, and formulating a comprehensive policy. By organizing the traders, this industry could also be developed into a new source of export earnings, they believe.Traders and observers alike feel that urgent intervention by the relevant authorities is necessary to overcome the sector's current dilapidated state. Otherwise, this promising billion-taka trade will fail to achieve its full potential due to persistent irregularities and mismanagement.
