Abdullah Hil Rakib: A leadership that will continue to inspire generations of apparel entrepreneurs

With heavy hearts, members of Bangladesh's apparel industry bid farewell to Abdullah Hil Rakib, Founder and Managing Director of Team Group and former Senior Vice President of BGMEA, as he was laid to rest at the BAF Shaheen Graveyard in Dhaka on 14 June 2025.

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Mr. Rakib, a prominent figure in Bangladesh's apparel industry. His sudden passing in a canoeing accident in Canada on 9 June is a heartbreaking loss for the entire industry.

His success as an apparel entrepreneur in such a short span of time was truly unparalleled. Team Group, which he founded in 2009 with a focus on apparel sourcing and manufacturing, has since evolved into a diversified conglomerate with ventures in RMG, retail, pharmaceuticals, IT, and real estate. Today, Team Group stands as one of Bangladesh's most iconic apparel business conglomerates, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and progressive corporate culture.

Mr Rakib was not only a visionary entrepreneur but also a compassionate leader who dedicated his life to the advancement and betterment of Bangladesh's RMG sector. 

He served the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) across four terms. In his most recent tenure, he held the position of Vice President and was later elevated to Senior Vice President following the July Uprising.

It was a time when the country was in disarray for several days and the apparel industry was no exception as law enforcement remained largely inactive. At this critical juncture, Abdullah Hil Rakib, along with his colleagues at BGMEA, stepped up to take the lead in safeguarding the factories and protecting the interests of the industry.

In the aftermath of the tragic death of a worker at Masco Group, Mr. Rakib personally rushed to the scene, risking his own life to help calm the situation. This act stands as a powerful testament to his unwavering dedication to the welfare of the industry and its workers.

Abdullah Hil Rakib not only set an example by implementing sustainable practices in Team Group's factories but also played a pivotal role in promoting ESG principles across Bangladesh's apparel industry. 

He spearheaded the establishment of the Innovation Centre at BGMEA, envisioning it as a hub to drive innovation throughout the sector. He firmly believed that achieving $100 billion in apparel exports by 2030 was within reach and that skill development, sustainability, and innovation would be the key drivers in attaining this ambitious milestone.

Mr Rakib was a passionate advocate for sharing the positive stories of Bangladesh's apparel industry both at home and abroad. Whether serving in a BGMEA leadership role or not, he frequently travelled and engaged with international stakeholders to promote Bangladesh as a preferred global apparel sourcing destination. 

An eloquent speaker, he always backed his arguments with logic and data, earning credibility and trust from his audiences. He was also a regular columnist for this esteemed daily, where he highlighted the industry's untapped opportunities and candidly addressed the challenges that needed urgent attention.

We will forever cherish the memories of Rakib Bhai. His dedication, passion for the industry, and indomitable spirit will remain in our hearts. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, yet his remarkable contributions and visionary leadership will continue to inspire us, and generations to come.

May the Almighty grant him eternal peace and give strength to his loved ones to bear this irreparable loss.

Sketch: TBS

Ashikur Rahman Tuhin is the Managing Director of TAD Group. He is a former Director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.