A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Sunday between the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), aiming to enhance the welfare of garment sector workers, promote the growth of football, and strengthen the global visibility of the “Made in Bangladesh” campaign.
The signing ceremony was held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and BFF President Tabith Awal signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations. With this agreement, BGMEA becomes the first trade body in the country to form a partnership with a national sports federation.
Senior officials from BGMEA present on the stage included Senior Vice President Inam ul Haque Khan (Babulu); Vice Presidents Md. Rezwan Selim, Mizanur Rahman (Finance), Md. Shihab Uddowza Chowdhury, Shah Raeed Chowdhury; Directors Nafis-ud-Doula Chowdhury, Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz, Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Asef Kamal Pasha, Mohammad Sohel; Chairman of the BGMEA Sports Committee Md. Sajjad Ali Khan; Chairman of the Press, Publication & Publicity Committee Mohammad Masud Kabir; and Chairman of the Branding BGMEA Committee Khan Monirul Islam (Shuvo).
Representing BFF, Vice President Fahad Mohammad Ahmed Karim and Executive Committee Member Iqbal Hossain were also present, said a press release.
The MoU aims to improve the quality of life of garment workers and contribute to the advancement of Bangladeshi football through joint programs, training initiatives, talent development, and welfare-oriented activities.
Key areas of collaboration include: BFF will provide technical teams and training assistance to BGMEA for organizing football events; BFF will help train garment workers in soft-skill areas such as referee and coaching licenses; BGMEA and BFF will jointly undertake programs for BGMEA member factories; Promotional documentaries of BGMEA will be showcased on big screens during international football matches as part of the “Made in Bangladesh” branding initiative; BFF will promote BGMEA and the Bangladeshi garment sector at global football platforms; BGMEA will collaborate with partners to support BFF’s jersey requirements and contribute to designing national team kits and travel apparel in the future.
Besides, both organizations will jointly conduct awareness campaigns on child protection, women’s empowerment, and nutritional improvement, alongside efforts to involve workers’ children in grassroots football.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan expressed his gratitude to the BFF President for forging this partnership.
He said, “The world knows Bangladesh today for the strength of its garment sector and our economic achievements. We dream of a day when Bangladesh will also be recognized globally for its excellence in football and sports. This collaboration between industry and sports will elevate Bangladesh’s image to new heights.”
BFF President Tabith Awal said the MoU would create a new path for the garment industry and football to work together for the nation. He sought BGMEA’s continued cooperation in taking football to the grassroots level.
The welcome speech at the event was delivered by BGMEA Director Shah Raeed Chowdhury, whose dedicated efforts led to the signing of the MoU between BGMEA and BFF.
Among others, BGMEA Senior Vice President, Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, and BFF Vice President Fahad Mohammad Ahmed Karim also addressed the ceremony.
