Beyond RMG: Why the “Orange Economy” is Bangladesh’s Next Strategic Frontier
Tawhid Rahman
For decades, the story of Bangladesh's economic triumph has been woven tightly into a single fabric: the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. It rescued our macroeconomy, empowered millions, and carved our place on the global map. But as we navigate complex post-uprising transitions and stare down our impending LDC graduation at the end of 2026, the limits of a single-engine growth model are becoming uncomfortably clear. High-volume, low-margin manufacturing cannot sustain the aspirations of a modern, digital-native youth population.
If we are to escape the middle-income trap, we must pivot from being a nation that merely executes external blueprints to one that designs them. We must transition from an economy driven by muscle to one fueled by mind. This is the premise of the...