The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association on Saturday said that the apparel industry was now stable after a challenging period, and called on the government to take measures to ensure good law and order in the sector to preserve its competitiveness and drive future growth.
鈥楾he BGMEA board has been able to deal with a disastrous situation with the cooperation of the government, owners, workers, Bangladesh Army and law and order forces,鈥� BGMEA president Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said at a press conference held at the BGMEA headquarters in the capital Dhaka.
He, however, claimed that the country鈥檚 readymade garment faced a production loss of $400 million due to the recent labour unrest starting from the end of August.
鈥楽ome buyers have shifted their work orders from Bangladesh due to the unrest, but we are expecting that the buyers will come back here as normalcy is restored in the sector,鈥� Rafiqul said.
He said that due to the recent labour unrest, 39 affected factories were unable to pay wages for September, leading the BGMEA to request interest-free bank loans with easy terms from the government to support them.
The BGMEA has urged the government to maintain stable law and order in the sector and additionally, they called for the simplification and acceleration of customs and port procedures, particularly to avoid unnecessary delays in loading and unloading goods at the Chattogram port.
In light of the challenges currently facing the industry, the BGMEA has requested a temporary halt to the disconnection of factory utilities for the next three months, to help factories maintain operations without disruption.
Moreover, the BGMEA expressed concerns over ongoing banking sector reforms, urging the government to ensure that these changes do not negatively impact production and commercial activities in the industry.
The BGMEA president also demanded forming a dedicated task force, including representatives from the National Board of Revenue and Bangladesh Bank, to develop business-friendly policies tailored to the sector鈥檚 needs.
The trade body also made an urgent appeal for gas supply through cylinders from CNG stations to be permitted, enabling factories to maintain normal production amid the current energy shortages.
The BGMEA also called for stronger measures to ensure that the disposal of jhut and other recyclable waste materials remains free from external interference, enabling factories to manage waste disposal efficiently and sustainably.
The BGMEA president urged the government not to cut the cash incentive for the RMG sector following LDC graduation.
Rafiqul also urged the government to introduce a safe exit policy for entrepreneurs in the RMG sector, as a significant number were struggling to sustain their businesses due to various adversities. BGMEA senior vice-president Abdullah Hill Rakib and other board members were present at the press conference.
