Bangladesh is considered a middle power and a developing nation. It has the 43rd largest economy by nominal GDP and 29th largest by purchasing power parity. Since its independence, the country has achieved a tremendous growth rate in its industrial production and economic growth. Bangladesh remains an important trade partner to the EU, the US, China, Japan, Singapore, and India.
Bangladesh is a developing country and it has been seen rapid industrialization during the last decade in various sectors. All these industries use a large variety of chemicals in considerable quantities. As of now most of the industries are concentrated in or near the three major metropolitan cities namely Dhaka, Chittagong, and Khulna as shown on the map. Amongst the various industrial sectors, pollution by textile and dyeing, tanneries, and pharmaceuticals is causing serious damage and thereby engendering public concern.
Major Industrial Sector in Bangladesh
Garments Industry
The Ready-Made Garments (RMG) is covering a large industrial sector in Bangladesh. In 1994, there were only 300 factories employing only a few thousand people. The number of RMG factories is increasing almost every year. It can be said that the RMG sector has experienced exponential growth since 1984.
Chemical Industry
Chemical is very useful commodities everywhere. A huge amount of chemicals is necessary in the everyday life. The use of chemicals is increasing day by day in largely populated countries like Bangladesh. Though the number of the chemical industry is creasing the growth rate of the chemicals industry is unsatisfactory. Bangladesh is fulfilling the requirements by importing chemicals from other countries.
Pharmaceutical Industry
The most developed and hi-technological sector in Bangladesh is the pharmaceutical industry within the country’s economy. The technological pharmaceutical industry is increasing day by day. There were only 210 licensed allopathic drug-manufacturing units in the country in 2000. Now about 300 pharmaceutical companies are operating and manufacturing about 5,600 brands of medicines in different dosage forms.