Mahmud Hasan Khan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), paid a courtesy call on Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).
The meeting took place on Monday (June 30) at the BIDA office, where BIDA’s Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury congratulated the newly elected BGMEA Board of Directors for the 2025–2027 term. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan was accompanied by Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Vice President Vidya Amrit Khan, and Director Samiha Azim. Representing BIDA and BEZA were BIDA Executive Member (Investment Ecosystem) Md. Mokhlesur Rahman (Additional Secretary) and BEZA Executive Member Saleh Ahmed (Additional Secretary).
Industry Challenges Discussed
During the meeting, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted the current state of the garment industry. He pointed out that global geopolitical instability, retaliatory tariffs imposed by the U.S., India’s cancellation of transshipment privileges, high bank interest rates, and frequent hikes in gas and electricity prices pose significant challenges to the industry. He stressed that BIDA’s support is crucial in overcoming these challenges and expanding the industry.
Proposal for Land Allocation in Chattogram
The BGMEA President proposed creating an integrated garment industrial zone in Chattogram by relocating scattered small and medium-sized garment factories into a dedicated area. He requested symbolic-cost land allocation in favor of BGMEA from BIDA and BEZA to support this initiative.
The Executive Chairman acknowledged the importance of the issue and assured that a committee comprising representatives from BGMEA and BIDA would be formed promptly, with an action plan to be submitted within a week.
Investment in Renewable Energy and Recycling Sought
The BGMEA delegation presented their sustainability and circular economy initiatives. They emphasized the need for renewable energy adoption to ensure environmentally friendly garment production. Specifically, they proposed developing a roadmap for installing solar panels in factories and providing technical and financial support.
They also highlighted the vast potential of waste recycling in the garment sector, calling for policies to encourage investment in this area, tax exemptions, and inclusion of informal workers under regulatory oversight. They sought BIDA’s cooperation in these matters.
Request to Ease Loan Classification and Bond Audit Process
The BGMEA leaders also raised concerns about Bangladesh Bank’s loan classification policy, requesting an extension of the current 3-month grace period to 6 months, as many entrepreneurs face temporary financial setbacks that hinder timely repayment.
Additionally, they described the current bond audit process as time-consuming and harassing, posing a significant obstacle to daily export operations. They requested that 20 institutions be designated through outsourcing to conduct bond audits efficiently and transparently.
Proposal to Establish a Ministry of Textiles and Garments
The BGMEA leadership urged the formation of a dedicated Ministry of Textiles and Garments, independent of the Ministry of Commerce, to better serve the unique needs of the industry.
In response, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun praised the garment industry’s significant contribution to Bangladesh’s economy. He assured the BGMEA leaders that BIDA would continue its full support and work to strengthen public-private partnerships for the development of the sector.
