A delegation of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) led by Acting President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam met with the Honorable Chief Adviser to the Interim Government Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The meeting took place at the Chief Adviser’s office in the state guest house, Jamuna, Dhaka on 14 August 2024 Wednesday.
During the meeting, the Honorable Chief Adviser praised the contribution of the garment industry to the economy and the significant role of BGMEA in the development of the industry. He lauded the BGMEA, and expressed optimism that the garment industry would be successful in achieving its aim of $100 billion exports by 2030.
The BGMEA delegation included First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice President Arshad Jamal (Dipu), Vice President (Finance) Md Nasir Uddin, Vice President Miran Ali, Vice President Abdullah Hill Rakib, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury and directors.
During the meeting, the BGMEA delegation told the Honorable Chief Adviser that his contribution to improving the quality of life of the people of the world is globally recognized and highly appreciated. He is the only Bengali who won the Nobel Peace Prize. A positive environment has been created in the garment industry since he assumed the role of Chief Advisor to the Interim Government.
An excellent confidence has been created about Bangladesh, especially among global buyers. The delegation requested the Honorable Advisor to take to Twitter to call for more apparel purchases from Bangladesh, especially for US and Canadian buyers, to compensate for the damage to the image of the garment industry in the circumstances.
The delegation also recommended forming a taskforce comprising the National Board of Revenue, Bangladesh Bank and the Ministry of Finance to resolve the prevailing issues of the garment industry, particularly removing business barriers, simplifying business processes.
The Honorable Chief Adviser said that the present government would do all the necessary reforms in all government institutions to create a business-friendly environment. He expressed a positive attitude towards the proposal of the BGMEA delegation regarding the formation of the task force. He assured the BGMEA delegation that his government would do whatever it takes to take the garment industry forward.
The Honorable Chief Adviser assured the delegation that he would leverage his contacts and international media to enhance the brand image of Bangladesh, with a particular focus on promoting the apparel industry.
He hopes that the current government and garment entrepreneurs would work together to take this industry, the economy and the new Bangladesh forward.
