A high-level meeting between the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and representatives of global fashion retailer Primark was held today at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka. The discussion focused on the current state of Bangladesh’s apparel industry, sustainability efforts, and strengthening mutual cooperation.
The BGMEA delegation included its President Mahmud Hasan Khan, Vice President (Finance) Md. Mizanur Rahman, and Directors Faisal Samad and Samiha Azim.
Among key topics, the imposition of countervailing duties by the United States on Bangladesh also came up. The BGMEA President expressed optimism that a favorable solution would emerge in this regard.
The visiting Primark team comprised with Paul Lister, Director, Legal and Company Secretary, Associated British Foods PLC (Primark’s parent company); Bee Ong, Director of Ethical Trade & Environmental Sustainability – Operations, Primark; Rosalind McCabe, Legal, ABF; Javier, Director, Simon Project; Mohammad Ismail, Senior Ethical Trade Manager, Primark and Jalis Khan, Sourcing Manager for Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, President Mahmud Hasan Khan urged Primark to increase apparel sourcing from Bangladesh, particularly in value-added and diversified product segments. He also encouraged the brand to deepen partnerships with Bangladeshi suppliers to foster innovation and high-quality production.
Sustainability remained a major theme in the discussions. Both sides exchanged ideas on expanding the use of renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing resource efficiency, and improving workers’ welfare. Primark reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmentally friendly production practices in its supplier factories across Bangladesh.
The discussion also emphasized knowledge-sharing to improve resource efficiency—such as optimal usage of water, electricity, and other inputs—which can lower production costs and benefit the environment.
The BGMEA President sought Primark’s support in developing a Unified Code of Conduct for the apparel sector, which would simplify audit processes, reduce pressure on factories, and help promote a more ethical, sustainable, and accountable industry.
Progress on implementing the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) was also reviewed during the meeting.
President Mahmud Hasan Khan remarked, “This meeting with Primark is extremely significant for Bangladesh’s garment sector. We believe that through this dialogue, our joint efforts toward sustainable development, innovative manufacturing, and workers’ protection will be further strengthened.”
The Primark delegation reiterated their continued support for the advancement of Bangladesh’s apparel industry.