BGMEA leaders held an exchange of views with Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Jahedul Islam Mia and proposed the allocation of 2–3 acres of land each for establishing compliance-based BGMEA Garments Villages for small and medium-sized garment industries.

The meeting was attended by BGMEA First Vice President Salim Rahman, who led the delegation, along with Vice President Mohammad Rafique Chowdhury, Directors Md. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Shaif Ullah Mansur and Enamul Aziz Chowdhury; Superintendent of Police of Industrial Police-03, Chattogram, Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mahmud; Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Sharif Uddin; Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Sakhawat Jamil Soikat; Assistant Commissioners and Executive Magistrates Maniul Hasan and Tamzidur Rahman, among other concerned officials.

Salim Rahman stated that SME factories are currently facing serious challenges in sustaining operations due to compliance, fire safety and infrastructural limitations. He said that establishing planned garments villages would ensure modern facilities, improved safety standards and enhanced production capacity, which would positively impact exports. He also emphasized that such initiatives are crucial for revitalizing industrial participation in Chattogram.

Vice President Mohammad Rafique Chowdhury said it is difficult for small entrepreneurs to ensure compliance individually. He noted that a centralized industrial zone would enable them to maintain international standards at lower costs and ensure sustainable industrial growth.

The Directors jointly expressed the opinion that a planned industrial zone could create an integrated solution through coordination among BGMEA, banks, customs bond authorities and other stakeholders. They added that ensuring modern infrastructure, automation and technology-driven facilities would help the industry become more competitive globally.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Jahedul Islam Mia highlighted the importance of the proposal, saying that the SME sector is a vital pillar of the country’s economy and that such compliance-based industrial zones are timely initiatives. He assured that the matter would be considered on a priority basis through coordination with the relevant ministries and close collaboration with BGMEA, including the formation of a specialized taskforce for swift implementation.