A delegation from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), led by President Faruque Hassan, paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in Dhaka on February 11. 

The delegation included Tipu Munshi MP, former Commerce Minister and President of BGMEA; Abdus Salam Murshedy MP, former President of BGMEA; Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, former Member of Parliament and President of BGMEA; and Md. Siddiqur Rahman, former President of BGMEA, and current Industries and Trade Affairs Secretary of the Awami League as well as current First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Senior Vice President S. M. Mannan (Kochi), Vice Presidents Shahidullah Azim, Md. Nasir Uddin, Miran Ali, and Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, Directors Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee, Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan and Neela Hosna Ara.

The BGMEA delegation extended heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her resounding victory in the 12th parliamentary election and her fifth term in office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

During the meeting, President Faruque Hassan provided an overview of the progress made by the ready-made garment (RMG) industry, particularly in the areas of workplace safety, environmental sustainability, and workers’ welfare. 

He highlighted BGMEA’s commitment to facilitating sustainable development, emphasizing the industry’s focus on diversifying into high-end products, a direction emphasized by the Prime Minister.

The delegation informed the Prime Minister about BGMEA’s initiatives to explore new markets for apparel exports, citing a noticeable increase in garment exports to non-traditional markets. 

President Faruque Hassan shared insights into the major challenges faced by the RMG industry, including the impact of geopolitical tensions on the global trade and Bangladesh’s RMG exports.

Expressing gratitude for the Prime Minister’s continuous support, the BGMEA leaders requested ongoing government policy support to address challenges confronting the RMG sector and to pave the way for the continued growth momentum of the industry. 

They called for uninterrupted and smooth gas supply to export-oriented industries, including the garments and textile sectors, to facilitate smooth production in factories.

They specifically acknowledged and thanked the Prime Minister for timely initiatives and policy support, particularly the stimulus packages that played a crucial role in helping the industry recover from the substantial impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The delegation expressed optimism that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh would continue its march towards development, with the RMG industry playing a pivotal role in driving the country’s economic growth.