The manufacturers of the country’s readymade garment sector demanded a separate ministry for sustainable RMG and textile sector.
They also said that the RMG sector is a major source of export earnings as a single sector, but it has to face new challenges from global and local perspectives. To address these challenges, it requires a long-term policy, for which a separate ministry is necessary.
They were speaking at an Iftar event organized by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association’s election-centric panel, Forum, in the capital on Saturday.
Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, forum panel leader and managing director of Rising Group, said that the garment sector needs policy support for a certain period of time.
‘Domestic and foreign conspiracies are always going against this sector and a vested interest group is creating anarchy in the name of worker’s unrest at different times. It should be investigated whether politics is involved behind this,’ he added.
He also said that the entrepreneurs of this sector should be freed from customs inspections and harassment.
Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, secretary general of the Forum, said that they have learned about the identification of 700 fake voters through media outlets.
‘Their voting rights have been canceled. This is very shameful that this sector has fake voters. We want the next election to be transparent and acceptable. We should remember that the economy cannot be sustained in Bangladesh without this sector. And BGMEA cannot be turned into a party office of any particular political party,’ he added.
Former BGMEA President Anisur Rahman Sinha said that the government may have less knowledge about business, and it is the responsibility of businesses to assist the government.
‘BGMEA, as an organization, has to take a role in highlighting and resolving any problems being created.
Another former president, Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), said that BGMEA needs skilled leadership to deal with the crisis.
Rubana Huq, another former BGMEA president, said that the manufacturers want relief from many years of garbage. A transparent vote to restore the balance is necessary.
Moreover, a factory can become sick for reasons beyond its control, but there is no exit policy.
‘We urge the government to formulate a detailed exit policy. Moreover, the manufacturers should increase their bargaining with foreign buyers for fair prices,’ she added.
Meanwhile, the BGMEA election for the 2025-27 tenure is scheduled for May 28, according to the election schedule announced on Saturday.
