The country鈥檚 apparel makers on Monday demanded that the government should reconsider its decision to withhold gas and electricity connections from industries located outside economic zones.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association president SM Mannan Kochi made the demand at a meeting with textiles and jute minister Jahangir Kabir Nanok held at the Secretariat in the capital Dhaka on the day.
The BGMEA president also demanded continuation of cash incentive against readymade garment exports until 2026.
Recently, the Bangladesh Bank has issued a circular stating that the new industrial establishments would not get electricity and gas connections if they are constructed in places other than the economic zones or government designated industrial areas.
Kochi said that no fresh investment would take place in the apparel sector due to the circular as only 3 economic zones out of proposed 100 started its operations in the country.
The BGMEA president informed the textile minister about the non-cooperation from customs and the National Board of Revenue and demanded that harassment-free environment be ensured.
Kochi also requested the government to reduce tax at source to 0.5 per cent from existing 1.0 per cent.
Jahangir Kabir Nanok assured BGMEA leaders that he would raise the issue of the NBR and customs in the next cabinet meeting.
He termed the NBR and customs鈥� issue as 鈥榖ig problem鈥� for business and said that his ministry received such complaints from some other sectors.
The minister also assured that he would try to ease the decision of the government over the utility connections to the new industry outside the economic zones.