The government has inaugurated a fair price sales program of TCB (Trading Corporation of Bangladesh) products for garment industry workers. The program was inaugurated by the Honorable Adviser to the Ministry of Labor and Employment, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, on October 16, 2024, at the premises of Zaber and Zubair Fabrics Ltd., part of the Noman Group, in Tongi, Gazipur.
Figure: Inauguration of Fair Price Sales
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by BGMEA President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam, with Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, the Honorable Adviser to the Ministry of Labor and Employment, attending as the Chief Guest. Special guests included the Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Mohang Selim Uddin, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Employment, A. H. M. Shafiquzzaman. It is worth mentioning that this initiative was launched through discussions between the owners of garment factories and the joint effort of the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Commerce. Under this program, three essential products – rice, lentils, and oil – will be distributed at affordable prices through TCB, an agency under the Ministry of Commerce.
BGMEA President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam welcomed this government initiative, stating that it is a timely and well-thought-out measure by the interim government and a supportive step for the industry. He further mentioned that, amid the high inflation, this special initiative will bring some relief to the workers of the garment industry and benefit the sector. The BGMEA President requested the Honorable Labor and Employment Adviser to expand this program nationwide to include all garment factories as soon as possible. Also present at the event were BGMEA Director Md. Mohiuddin Rubel, Director Abrar Hossain Sayem, TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mostafa Iqbal, AFWC, PSC, Gazipur District Commissioner Nafisa Arfin, Noman Group Chairman A. S. M. Rafiqul Islam Noman, and local garment entrepreneurs. Speeches were also given by the Honorable Adviser to the Ministry of Labor and Employment Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Commerce Secretary Mohang Selim Uddin, Labor and Employment Secretary A. H. M. Shafiquzzaman, TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mostafa Iqbal, AFWC, PSC, Gazipur District Commissioner Nafisa Arfin, and Noman Group Chairman A. S. M. Rafiqul Islam Noman.
