Forum Panel Leader Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu also demanded a separate ministry for the country’s garment and textile sector to ensure sustainability in the industry – the highest single source of the country’s export revenue income.
During a Forum BGMEA press conference held in the capital’s hotel said the garment sector is currently plagued by multifaceted challenges both locally and globally. Long-term policies need to be adapted to overcome these challenges, for which the establishment of a separate ministry is essential.
They further said for the country’s interest, it is essential to establish clear directives for the garment industry. Failing to do so may the survival of the sector.
Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, a panel leader of Forum, highlighted that the garment sector needs policy support for a certain period of time. “A separate ministry is needed for sustainable policies.”
Mr. Babu said in his press briefing, As you all know, the garment sector is the largest source of export earnings for the country, contributing approximately 84% of foreign currency income. This sector not only contributes to the economy and GDP but also plays a significant role in employment generation, women empowerment, social security, and national development.
However, it is also true that despite surviving for over 45 years amidst various challenges, the industry is yet to fully achieve its desired goals and sustainable development. As a trade organization, BGMEA is expected to play a strong and professional role in protecting the interests of the industry.
In such a context, our organization, the Forum, expresses solidarity with the strong demand for building a transparent, dynamic, effective, and accountable BGMEA.
The BGMEA election, the largest election of garment owners, is scheduled to be held on 31st May 2025. On behalf of the Forum, we have finalized candidates for 35 director positions across Dhaka and Chittagong. Candidates have been selected considering their business background, skills, experience, and vision for the future with a focus on youth and technological knowledge.
I firmly believe that if our candidates are elected to the board, they will build a modern and accountable BGMEA, and restore the lost reputation and tradition.
To ensure the continued progress of the garment sector, address global challenges, and promote sustainable growth, we are presenting a few strategic proposals:
- Formation of a Separate Ministry for the Garment Sector:
The government’s policy support for the garment sector must continue. Currently, for any garment sector-related issue, we depend on the Ministry of Commerce. However, due to its diverse responsibilities, it is unable to dedicate adequate time to the garment sector. Therefore, we propose to restructure the Ministry of Textiles into the “Ministry of Textiles and Garment Industry.”
- Maximum Support for SMEs, Non-Bond Factories, and New Entrepreneurs:
The challenges faced by small and medium entrepreneurs in the garment sector are longstanding. We must remember that today’s small businesses can become tomorrow’s major industries. Hence, low-interest loans, technological support, and market access funds are crucial.
- Accelerating Customs Automation:
We want to avoid the harassment caused by customs audits. We propose engaging the highest-ranked audit firms for the audit process and introducing a digital clearance system to reduce time and costs in the export-import process.
- Industrial Safety, Labor Rights, and Environmental Protection:
The garment sector is now 45 years old, yet it is not fully sustainable. To make it sustainable, we must prioritize industrial safety, labor rights, and environmental protection through comprehensive governance and compliance certification systems. - Ensuring Membership of Genuine Exporters:
The current membership of BGMEA exceeds 7,000. However, many were included without maintaining proper standards. This will be strictly monitored by the Forum.
- Market Diversification and Product Diversification:
Bangladesh’s garment market is largely limited to the US and the EU. Alongside market diversification, we want to focus on product diversification, moving towards man-made fibers rather than relying solely on cotton-based products.
- Accountability of Elected Representatives:
Candidates often make numerous promises before elections but fail to fulfill them afterward. Forum directors will be held accountable to the members, each overseeing 50-70 factories, similar to the role of Relationship Managers in multinational companies. - Crisis Management Cell Based on Industrial Zones:
Currently, BGMEA’s Crisis Management Cell operates centrally. We propose establishing zonal crisis management cells led by directors from respective areas, including BGMEA officials and labor federation leaders.
- Exit Policy:
Currently, there is no structured exit policy for sick industries. We propose establishing a realistic exit policy in consultation with the Central Bank.
Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu also said in his press conference, On behalf of the Forum, we have presented a few key priorities for the garment sector. However, unforeseen challenges may arise, which we must be prepared to address. To lead BGMEA effectively and ensure sustainable economic growth, we must build a competent, transparent, and accountable BGMEA. As the panel leader of the Forum, I urge the members to support the Forum in this election to build a dynamic BGMEA.
