Garment industry owners in Bangladesh are advocating for the establishment of a separate ministry dedicated to the garment and textile sector, which represents the country’s largest source of export revenue. During a discussion in Dhaka, industry leaders emphasised the need for focused long-term policies to tackle the multifaceted challenges currently facing the sector both locally and globally.
The event, organised by the BGMEA’s election-centric alliance, Forum, highlighted the urgency of establishing clear directives to ensure the sustainability of the garment industry. Industry representatives warned that failure to implement such measures could jeopardise the sector’s survival.
Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, a panel leader of Forum, stressed the importance of policy support for a sustained period. “A separate ministry is crucial for creating sustainable policies,” he stated. He further pointed out the ongoing domestic and foreign conspiracies against the sector, mentioning labour unrest as a recurring issue and calling for an investigation into potential political influences behind it. Additionally, he urged for alleviation of the harassment faced by entrepreneurs from customs inspections.
Former BGMEA president Anisur Rahman Sinha voiced concerns about the Government’s lack of understanding of business dynamics, asserting that it is the responsibility of the BGMEA to engage with the Government to address these issues. He noted that international trade challenges are not receiving adequate attention, leading to frustration among business owners.
Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury, another former BGMEA president, emphasised the necessity for skilled leadership to navigate crisis situations in the industry. Rubana Huq, also a former president, echoed the call for a comprehensive policy framework, highlighting the need for owners to enhance their bargaining power with foreign buyers to secure fair prices.
Rashid Ahmed Hosaini, secretary general of Forum, concluded that the Bangladeshi economy’s sustainability is closely tied to the health of the garment sector, underscoring the importance of immediate action to support the industry.
