In a high-profile press conference in the capital, the Forum panel, led by Mahmud Hasan Khan (Babu), Managing Director of Rising Group and former Vice President of BGMEA, announced a bold strategic roadmap ahead of the upcoming BGMEA biennial elections scheduled for 31st May. With the ready-made garment (RMG) industry at a critical juncture, Forum proposed transformative reforms to modernise governance, enhance sectoral competitiveness, and ensure worker welfare.
At the heart of the panel’s proposals is the call to restructure the current Ministry of Textiles into a dedicated Ministry of Textile & Garment. “The RMG sector, as the country’s largest export earner, needs focused administrative oversight,” said Mahmud Hasan Khan. “A standalone ministry will enable faster policy-making, improved coordination, and better responsiveness to industry needs.”
To reinforce its vision, Forum released a nine-point strategic roadmap designed to future-proof BGMEA and align with global trade transformations. Key components include:
Ministry Reformation: Advocating for a dedicated Ministry of Textile & Garment to streamline policy implementation and sectoral development.
SME and Non-Bonded Exporter Support: Expanding access to finance, facilities, and market linkages to empower smaller industry players.
Customs Automation: Accelerating digital transformation across customs operations to reduce delays and enhance trade efficiency.
Worker Safety and Compliance: Strengthening labor rights, safety standards, and environmental compliance to boost Bangladesh’s reputation as a responsible sourcing destination.
Export Diversification: Promoting market expansion and innovative product categories to reduce reliance on traditional segments.
Transparent Membership Verification: Ensuring only genuine exporters hold BGMEA membership for accurate industry representation.
Leadership Accountability: Instituting regular performance reviews for elected representatives.
Zone-Based Legal Crisis Cells: Decentralizing legal crisis support to provide swift, localized assistance.
Realistic Factory Exit Policy: Developing mechanisms to support factories facing involuntary closures and protect jobs.
To ensure timely wage payments and avoid recurring unrest, especially ahead of Eid, Forum also proposed introducing a “forced savings” mechanism. This system would require factories to set aside funds in advance to ensure worker salaries are paid on time.
He further criticised routine harassment by customs officials during audits and proposed outsourcing audits to professional firms while introducing a fully digital clearance system to streamline import-export procedures.
On external trade challenges, Babu drew attention to the 16 per cent tariff on Bangladeshi exports to the US, compared to just 6 per cent on US goods entering Bangladesh, citing it as a key factor behind the US $ 6 billion trade deficit. He urged authorities to negotiate a fairer trade environment during ongoing talks with the interim government.
The press conference was attended by prominent industry leaders including MA Rahim Feroz, Vice Chairman of DBL Group; Faisal Samad, Managing Director of Surma Garments; and ABM Shamsuddin, Managing Director of Hannan Group. The Forum panel emphasised its commitment to a transparent and inclusive election process, highlighting its role in preparing a credible voter list.
The new BGMEA board term begins on 29th May, with 35 director positions up for election and over 70 candidates from two major panels, Sammilita Parishad and Forum, in the race.
