The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) hosted an Iftar and prayer gathering today (Tuesday) at the Sheraton Dhaka in honour of international buyers, brand representatives, diplomats, and development partners. The event was chaired by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and attended by representatives from several leading global organisations.
Speaking at the event, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said that Bangladesh is entering a new phase of development. Following the successful national elections in February, stability and democratic processes have been restored in the country, bringing renewed confidence to the business environment. He also noted that Bangladesh’s apparel sector has set an ambitious export target of $100 billion within the next decade and is currently leading the world in green industrialisation with 275 LEED-certified factories.
Highlighting the global context, the BGMEA president stated that mutual cooperation is more important than ever in today’s uncertain global environment. He emphasised that a continuous partnership with international stakeholders is essential for implementing the next phase of growth and transformation in the industry.
BGMEA Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan delivered the welcome speech. He said that the current position of Bangladesh’s garment industry has been largely supported by the continued trust and partnership of international brands. He also expressed gratitude to development partners for their guidance and support in building a sustainable industry.
On behalf of international brands, Ziaur Rahman, Country Head of H&M, addressed the gathering. He urged BGMEA to maintain effective dialogue and coordination with the government to overcome policy-related challenges facing the apparel sector.
Among BGMEA leaders present at the Iftar gathering were Vice President Vidya Amrit Khan and directors Shah Raed Chowdhury, Mohammad Abdur Rahim, Faisal Samad, Nafis-ud-Daula, Majumder Arifur Rahman, Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz, Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Joarder Mohammad Hosne Kamar Alam, Dr Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, Faruque Hassan, Rumana Rashid, Mohammad Sohel, and Samiha Azim, along with chairpersons of various standing committees.
Representatives from international organisations and development partners included International Labour Organisation (ILO) Team Leader Jariyath Tamanna and Technical Officer Chayanich Thamparipattra; Project Head Dr Michael Claude from GIZ; Regional Director for Bangladesh–Nepal Michael Samsar from KfW Development Bank; Selim Reza Hasan from Solidaridad Network; National Project Coordinator K. M. Asadun Noor from United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO); Country Director Amrita Regina Rosario from Sightsavers; and Nishat Shahid Chowdhury from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Fair Wear Foundation also attended.
Diplomatic representatives included Labor Attaché Lina Khan from the United States Embassy in Bangladesh; Trade and Investment Attaché Zain Aziz from the Pakistan High Commission in Bangladesh; Head of Trade Nadia Itani from the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh; Abu Sayeed Belal from the European Union delegation; along with representatives from the Embassy of Iran in Bangladesh and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).
Brand and buyer representatives from companies such as H&M, Decathlon, Bestseller, Tesco, C&A, Carrefour, Mayoral, and many others attended the event, with more than 600 brand representatives in total.
Also present were Nuria Lopez, Chairperson of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham), and Unit Head Tanvir Ibn Bashar from Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL).
The event concluded with a special prayer seeking prosperity for the nation and continued success for Bangladesh’s apparel industry.
