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Bangladesh Faces Economic Crisis: 1.4M Jobs Lost in 15 Months

12/4/2025

48 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Over 1.4 million jobs have been lost in 15 months as the interim government ignores the business community's concerns.
Over 200 factories have closed amid shutdowns in the readymade garments sector.
Sixteen banks are unable to issue new loans.
The Bangladesh Chamber of Industries reports nearly 50% of small enterprises have laid off workers.
Defaulted loans have surged from 17% to 35% in a year.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, which killed over 1,100 workers, underscored long-standing safety issues in the garment industry, prompting international scrutiny. Despite reforms, the sector has seen significant job losses, with 1.4 million positions eliminated in 15 months. Today, over 200 factory closures and a 35% loan default rate highlight ongoing economic instability, threatening workers' livelihoods and the industry's future.

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Story summary

Over 1.4 million jobs have been lost in 15 months as the interim government ignores the business community's concerns.
Over 200 factories have closed amid shutdowns in the readymade garments sector.
Sixteen banks are unable to issue new loans.
The Bangladesh Chamber of Industries reports nearly 50% of small enterprises have laid off workers.
Defaulted loans have surged from 17% to 35% in a year.

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