The country’s knitwear manufacturers and exporters have urged the government to continue providing its support to the sector as a strategy to ensure sustainable economic growth of the country.Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) also expressed its gratitude to the government for supporting the sector so far.The BKMEA leaders made the call at its 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Nasim Osman Memorial Park in Narayanganj on Saturday evening, according to a statement. Shamim Osman, MP, attended the function as the chief guest.Following the meeting, the BKMEA members joined a reunion and celebration programme, marking the 22nd founding anniversary of the trade body.Former Vice President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Bangladesh Re-Rolling Mills Association President Mohammad Ali, FBCCI Director Prabir Kumar Saha and Narayanganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Khaled Haider Khan Kajol were also present on the occasion.The association leaders including its President A K M Salim Osman, First Vice President Mansoor Ahmed, Second Vice President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, and Vice President (Finance) Md. Homaun Kabir Khan Shilpi also attended the AGM.Speaking on the occasion, Salim Osman said the BKMEA started its journey as the solely representing organisation of the knitwear sector in 1996, following the directives of the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”The BKMEA has been continuing its endeavor since then despite various adversities,” he said.He thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and former Finance Minister Shah A M S Kibria for extending their respective supports in phases since the association began its journey.”The knitwear currently employs around 1.5 million people – 70 per cent are women,” he said.Through such employment generation, the sector is working for the socio-economic development of the country, said Mr. Osman,The country’s knitwear sector earned US$ 15.8 billion from exports to 164 countries in the last year, according to the statement.
