Ready-made garment (RMG) exports are continuing to soar, rising by nearly 21% in the first five months of the current fiscal year amid ongoing political unrest centring ahead of next month`s parliamentary election.

In the first five months of the financial year, beginning July 1, exports totaled $11.96 billion, up 18 percent on the same period a year ago, the Export Promotion Bureau said.

RMG exports soared 21 percent to $9.65 billion for the five months, report Just Style, Reuters.

The government raised wages for millions of garment workers this month, following continuous workers’ unrest and international pressure on the world`s second largest clothing exporter.

Garment owners said orders slumped by as much as 40 percent in October from a year earlier due to political unrest ahead of an election set for January 5.

The country`s economic activity has come to a standstill due to opposition-led shutdowns and transport blockades.

BDST: 1116 HRS, DEC 24, 2013
RS