The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested the Bangladesh Bank to strengthen policy support and extend the application deadline under BRPD Circular-07/2025 to address the ongoing multifaceted challenges in the apparel sector.

On 22 April 2026, a BGMEA delegation led by Majumdar Arifur Rahman met with Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Kabir Ahmed at the Bangladesh Bank headquarters to convey these requests. The delegation also included former Vice President Shahidul Islam and Chairman of the Public Relations and Publicity Committee Masud Kabir. Senior officials of Bangladesh Bank, including Additional Director Mohammad Salauddin Topadar of the Banking Regulation and Policy Department (BRPD), were present at the meeting.

During the meeting, the BGMEA delegation sought cooperation on the following issues:

1. Extension of Overdue Classification Timeline:

To extend the overdue account eligibility period under BRPD Circular-07/2025 from November 2025 to 31 March 2026. This would enable more distressed and struggling industrial units to come under policy support, helping them return to normal business operations. It would also contribute to reducing non-performing loans (NPLs) and strengthening overall financial stability. 

2. Ensuring Effective Implementation by Commercial Banks:

To issue clear and mandatory directives to commercial banks for the proper implementation of Bangladesh Bank’s declared policy support. Due to delays and inconsistencies in implementation, many eligible enterprises are being deprived of these facilities. Effective enforcement would help boost industrial production, restore profitability of affected businesses, and revitalize economic activities. 

3. Extension of Application Deadline for Reopening Closed Factories:

While welcoming the government’s initiative, BGMEA emphasized the need to extend the application deadline to ensure proper data collection and verification of genuinely affected factories. This would facilitate the preparation of an accurate and realistic list, supporting effective rehabilitation and revival efforts. 

The Deputy Governor attentively listened to the concerns raised by the BGMEA delegation and assured that necessary and effective measures would be taken in this regard.