The President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Mahmud Hasan Khan, met today (Wednesday) with the Honorable Commerce Minister, Mr. Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, at the Ministry of Commerce in the Secretariat for a courtesy call and official meeting. He was accompanied by Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoja Chowdhury, and Director Md. Hasib Uddin.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the various challenges facing the ready-made garment (RMG) industry in the current economic context and the necessary policy support required to ensure the sector’s sustainable growth.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted the ongoing crisis in the garment industry, stating that global economic instability, the impact of conflicts in the Middle East, and acute local gas and electricity shortages are significantly disrupting production. This is further compounded by rising raw material prices and increasing production costs. In such a challenging environment, he emphasized that strong government policy support and a business-friendly environment are essential to remain competitive in international markets.
The meeting also included focused discussions on the RSC’s (RMG Sustainability Council) current activities and its role in addressing future industry challenges.
The BGMEA President specifically presented the association’s position on the RSC’s mandate. He clearly stated that the RSC was established solely to oversee building, fire, and electrical safety (OSH). Issues related to social compliance—such as wages, leave, or trade unions—fall outside the RSC’s core jurisdiction. Expanding its scope into these areas would impose unnecessary administrative and financial burdens on the industry, which is undesirable.
He further stressed that any decision in this regard must ensure alignment with stakeholders and local laws.
During the meeting, BGMEA leaders also put forward several specific proposals to support the sustainable growth of the garment industry, including:
1. Simplification of Import and Bond Policies:
BGMEA requested amendments to the current import policy to simplify the process of importing raw materials on an FOC (Free of Cost) basis. They also urged the swift revision of Import Policy Order clauses 21(8)(a) and 21(8)(ঞ) to eliminate the requirement of bond licenses when supplying goods from bonded deemed exporters to non-bonded direct exporters.
2. Enhancing Financial and Trade Capacity:
BGMEA leaders called for the withdrawal of the existing 10% income tax deduction on cash incentives to encourage garment exports. They also requested effective measures to normalize trade relations with India and remove existing barriers to yarn imports and product exports through land ports.
3. Trade Facilitation and CIP Status:
To further accelerate RMG export trade, BGMEA proposed amendments to relevant sections of the Import Policy 2024–2027 and suggested automating the criteria for awarding CIP (Commercially Important Person) status to industrial entrepreneurs.
The Honorable Commerce Minister attentively listened to the concerns raised by the BGMEA delegation and acknowledged the importance of the RMG sector as the country’s leading foreign currency earner amid the current global situation. He assured that the government would provide all necessary policy support to address the industry’s challenges and maintain Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global market.
Major Md. Saiful Islam, psc, cscm (Retd.)
Acting Secretary, BGMEA
, Mahmud Hasan Khan, met today (Wednesday) with the Honorable Commerce Minister, Mr. Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, at the Ministry of Commerce in the Secretariat for a courtesy call and official meeting. He was accompanied by Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoja Chowdhury, and Director Md. Hasib Uddin.){kind=link}