The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has sought the cooperation of the IndustriALL Bangladesh Council (IBC) leaders to maintain stable labour conditions in the garment sector amidst the ongoing challenges.

The request was made during a discussion meeting held on August 31, 2024, at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara. 

BGMEA President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam presided over the meeting, which was attended by BGMEA Vice President (Finance) Md. Nasir Uddin, and Directors Md. Mohiuddin Rubel, Md. Nurul Islam, Saifuddin Siddiquie Sagar, and Md. Rezaul Alam (Miru).

IBC representatives included General Secretary Shahidullah Badal, National Garment Workers Federation President Amirul Haque Amin, Bangladesh Textile Garments and Leather Workers Federation President Kutubuddin Ahmed, United Federation of Garments Workers General Secretary Nurul Islam, Bangladesh Textile and Garments Workers League President Z.M. Kamrul Anam, Secretary General of Federation of Garments Workers China Rahman, and Bangladesh Metal Workers Federation President A.M. Nazim Uddin.

Also present at the meeting were Colonel Mohiuddin, Admin, Savar; Mohammad Azad Mia, DIG, Industrial Police Headquarters; Ahmed Bellal, DIG, DIFI, Gazipur; Md. Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Police, Industrial Police, Gazipur; and representatives from various law enforcement agencies.

The meeting focused on the overall situation of the garment industry, which has recently faced significant challenges. The participants noted that recent events have severely impacted export-import activities and factory operations, leading to financial difficulties, including a cash flow crisis. Factories are working hard to overcome these challenges and maintain uninterrupted import-export activities and supply chains.

In light of the current situation, the BGMEA has requested the IBC leaders’ cooperation to avert labour unrest and road blockades by workers over minor issues, ensuring no sufferings to the common people. The meeting emphasized a tripartite approach to resolving internal factory problems.

BGMEA President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam stated, “If there is any problem somewhere, we will have to work together.” He called for collective cooperation to address these issues. Colonel Mohiuddin noted that while demands may arise, they should be addressed collaboratively.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement that all parties involved would work together to resolve disputes between owners and workers regarding wages or other issues through discussion, thereby maintaining law and order in the garment industry.