Garment industry owners have called for the establishment of a separate ministry dedicated to the apparel and textile sector to address their challenges and frame long-term policies
On Saturday, this demand was raised during a discussion and iftar party organised by the BGMEA electoral alliance, Forum, at a hotel in Dhaka.
They argue that the garment industry is the largest contributor to export earnings, yet it faces numerous global and local challenges.
The garment sector leaders in attendance expressed concern over the past politicisation of the BGMEA, emphasising the need to restore its lost reputation.
Industry stakeholders stressed that future BGMEA leaders should not be mere card-carrying directors but should demonstrate strong commitment.
They urged leaders to provide strategic guidance for the garment sector rather than aligning with political interests. Without a sustainable policy framework, they warned, the industry might not survive.
Forum panel leader Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu highlighted the need for policy support for a specific period, pointing out that the garment sector frequently faces both domestic and international conspiracies.
He also noted that political motives might be behind recurring labor unrest, as workers themselves would not willingly jeopardise their livelihoods. Furthermore, he called for relief from harassment during customs inspections and reiterated the necessity of a dedicated ministry for sustainable policies.
Forum General Secretary Rashid Ahmed Hossaini raised concerns over reports of nearly 700 fake voters being identified and disqualified from the upcoming BGMEA election.
Calling the situation shameful, he emphasised the need for a fair and transparent election. He reminded attendees that Bangladesh’s economy heavily relies on the garment industry, and the BGMEA should not become a political entity.
Former BGMEA president Anisur Rahman Sinha remarked that while the government does not fully understand business, it is the industry’s responsibility to communicate its needs effectively.
He criticised the lack of proper representation of international trade challenges and noted that many garment factory owners are struggling in frustration.
Another former BGMEA president, Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, stressed the need for skilled leadership within BGMEA to navigate the current crisis.
Rubana Huq, also a former BGMEA president, stated that garment factory owners want to break free from long-standing burdens. She urged for a fair election to restore the organisation’s credibility, pointing out that past interference had hindered its function.
She also emphasised the importance of an exit policy for struggling businesses, stating that no factory should be left without options in times of distress.
Additionally, she urged industry owners to negotiate fair pricing with international buyers.
Forum President Abdus Salam, along with other industry leaders, presented an overview of the challenges faced by the garment sector and reiterated the demand for a separate ministry to ensure the sector’s sustainable growth.
