The Sammilita Parishad, a panel contesting the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) board of directors’ elections, announced its manifesto Tuesday for the BGMEA election for the 2021-23 term.
In a media briefing at a city hotel, Parishad Panel Leader and also Giant Group Managing Director Faruque Hassan read out the manifesto.
He said, “We will submit a proposal to the government to increase the loan repayment period from the existing 18 months, and reduce the instalment size. Short-term, medium-term and long-term policies will be required to recover the industry’s crisis amid Covid-19.”
Extension of loan repayment is needed to deal with Covid-19 fallout, he added.
In the election manifesto, Faruque Hassan said initiatives will be taken to increase new-market cash incentives to 5% as well as explore more new market opportunities in Russia and Latin America.
He also plans to organise roadshows in potential new markets such as South Korea, Japan, Russia, Latin America and India.
Sammilita Parishad will try to ensure duty-free market access to the Middle East and Africa, said the panel leader.
The BGMEA will form a joint committee with customs officials for quick response to bond and customs related issues. The committee will meet at least once a month regularly.
Besides, the panel plans to form a cell to take initiative to improve customs-related services and prevent harassments.
Faruqe Hassan said a BGMEA vice-president and a director will oversee the cell and work to improve customs standards and revise harmonized system codes.
While replying to a query, Faruqe Hassan hoped there is no possibility of terminating workers in the coming days as the industry revives its export earnings.
BGMEA former president and the Parishad’s Election Coordinator Abdus Salam Murshedy, former presidents Shafiul Islam Mohi Uddin and Siddiqur Rahman also spoke.
The election will be held on 4 April to elect a 35-member board of directors, including seven vice-presidents.
