A delegation of BGMEA led by President Faruque Hassan paid a courtesy visit to Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka on January 3rd.

Other delegation members were BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President Md. Nasir Uddin and Director Abdullah Hil Rakib. 

At the outset, they exchanged greetings. During the meeting BGMEA President Furuque Hassan gave an overview of how the garment industry has been making immense contributions to the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, especially in terms of export earnings and employment generation. 

He also apprised the Army Chief about the present situation of the RMG industry and how the industry has turned around addressing the unprecedented disruption in economic progress caused by the Covid-19. 

The BGMEA leaders mentioned the glorious role of Bangladesh Army in tackling different natural disasters, especially during the Covid pandemic. They also praised the role of the Army in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, especially in the implemention of infrastructural development projects in the country. 

The mega projects, once completed, will play a significant role in economic development and drawing investment in the country, they added. 

The Chief of Army Staff lauded the RMG industry’s contributions to the development of Bangladesh. He also praised the way the sector addressed the unprecedented impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and rebounded/turned around, especially the resilience and indomitable spirit of both workers and entrepreneurs in navigating the industry through massive waves of the pandemic.

They also talked about how the demographic dividend could be properly utilised through upgrading skills and discussed about possible areas where Bangladesh Army could support in providing training to young and vibrant people for their skill development. 

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Bangladesh has secured a prestigious position in the world over the last 50 years, besides winning the hearts and minds of the people of Bangladesh.

So it’s time to be more united and work together from their respective positions for the common cause of building Bangladesh towards more prosperity, he added.