Meghna Group now supplies two-thirds of Bangladesh’s bicycle exports, a change that is helping the country recover from a post-pandemic slump and attract steady buyers in Europe and beyond. Exports fell from about 170 million dollars in 2021-22 to 82.5 million in 2023-24, but shipments bounced back to 116.4 million in 2024-25 as demand picked up and buyers returned. The first five months of the current fiscal year show continued growth, indicating a steady revival in orders. Meghna Group exported roughly seventy eight point one million dollars last year, which equals about sixty seven percent of national bicycle shipments and highlights the firm’s large role. Its M and U Cycle brand and the Hana System joint venture are among the top five exporters in the country. Only nine companies export bicycles directly from Bangladesh, with Germany the largest single market and other EU countries also buying significant volumes. New investors have entered the field, including Panam Group, which moved from garments to bikes, rose quickly into the top three exporters and began shipping electric bicycles to Europe and the United States. Rangpur Metal Industries of RFL Group and Alita BD Limited are other notable exporters that are expanding production and adding jobs. Industry leaders say the global market steadied after disruptions such as the Russia Ukraine war, which helps explain the recent recovery in export volumes. Companies note that joint ventures, foreign technology links and better factory labs have helped improve product quality and meet buyer tests. Producers also point out that more local component makers and testing facilities would lower costs and raise reliability for international customers. The rise of electric bicycles is a fresh opportunity, as global interest in e bikes grows and policy support and battery infrastructure could open larger markets. For factory towns, rising orders mean steady work for welders, assemblers, painters and technicians, and new demand supports small suppliers for parts, tyres and packing. Experts recommend steady rules, skill training and better export services so gains are fair and long lasting. Buyers value regular shipments, clear quality checks and on time delivery, and firms say these simple steps build trust and repeat orders. With measured investment, improving labs and focused training, Bangladesh can move from a small supplier to a stronger maker of both traditional and electric bicycles, and the sector can create more jobs and steady growth for local communities. The tone across the industry is upbeat as new firms join, factories modernise and exports reach more markets, showing that practical steps now could secure long term gains. Policy makers and industry groups say targeted support for testing labs, export financing and research on lightweight frames will help sustain momentum and attract international buyers.
