With the election of a newly elected board for the 2024–2026 term, the Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBA) has embarked on a new era in a historic election conducted at Dhaka’s Baridhara DOHS Convention Centre.
The Buyer’s Council and Progressive Alliance, two influential panels that are vital to Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry, engaged in intense competition within the self-disciplining nonprofit organisation.
The ‘Buyer’s Council,’ clinched a resounding victory with 12 out of the 15 board members elected. In regards to the winning election, AOB gets in touch with one of the board members of Buyer’s Council, Kyaw Sein Thay Dolly who is a managing director of Cloths R Us Ltd.
BGBA elects a new board after 12 years, at first, we would like to know how it feels after winning the election, and if you could share some insight about the election.
First of all, the rumour about electing after 12 years is debatable. It is only 2018 following a direction from the Ministry of Textile and Jute it has become mandatory for a buying house to become a member of the associate Trade body BGBA. Before that though BGBA was officially registered with the Government in 2006 but it was not an active organization.
Winning the election was not an easy task. As for most of the elected members, this was the first public election they had participated so we had a lot to learn throughout the process. So, on the one hand of course, very happy to win the election at the same time I would like to thank all the BGBA members who appeared to cast their vote.
Election Day was festive and eventful. We had 2 full panels (Buyer’s Council and Progressive Alliance) in the election consisting of 15 panel members from each panel. We also had a solo candidate from the United Forum. So, 31 candidates compete for the election. While we had 3 female candidates in total. Out of those 2 female candidates from Buyer’s Council were elected.
Buyer’s Council bagged 12 seats and without any doubt of course it’s a big accomplishment. Now what is your plan ahead with this team?
Our panel leader Kazi Iftequer Hossain, is undoubtedly the only and the best fit to lead the Association with his wisdom, experience, connections, and influence. We are undoubtedly fortunate to have a mentor like him. He had guided us throughout the time of the election campaign, preparing us to come out as a winner. It is something a person can hold as a learning for his or his lifetime achievement.
Our team Buyer’s council was comprised of young successful entrepreneurs like Mofazzel Hossain Chowdhury Pavel, the Managing Director of Dougyi Sourcing Limited, Morshed Alam, The Managing Director of Klieder Sourcing, Kazi Arman Khan, Managing Director of Startex Ltd, Besides our Ex-Secretary General Aminul Islam, Wahidur Rahman Wahid, Managing Director of Turin Apparels are very popular faces in the industry. We had a team of dynamic, active, and socially responsible who ensured the victory for the panel.
We have a very clear 15-point Manifesto of the election. As a team, we are committed to attending each of them. The duration of the board is only 2 years so it is a very short time to accomplish all, that is the challenge lies in front of us. We do not have any time to waste but just to act on the commitments we have made to our members as quickly and as much as possible.
BGBA election 2024-2026 Buyer’s Council’s 15 Election manifesto are-
- To enhance transparency and efficiency, we’ll revamp the entire BGBA office, including HR, IT, and implement a robust database system to secure member logins. Additionally, we’ll streamline membership and renewal processes to ensure member satisfaction.
- We’ll lower AIT by declaring the Buying House into a Trade Exporter by adjusting the fiscal and taxation policy of Govt. accordingly.
- Through negotiations with Bangladesh Bank, policy changes will enable Buying Houses to retain foreign currency in their accounts, which later can be used for further business expansion.
- Professional skill development will be facilitated through a partnership with the Bank Training Institute.
- To improve the standard of our QA, we will arrange training programs in partnership with international organizations.
- We’ll simplify current garment sample tariffs and release in alignment with the Bangladesh Export–Import Policy and duty-free imports of mannequins and lab equipment for Buying Houses will be ensured.
- Our advertising aims to bolster member social and govt recognition, pursuing a commercially significant CIP quota from Buying Houses through dialogue with authorities.
- Legal assistance will be provided to members encountering issues with exported products abroad. International legal experts will be engaged to resolve potential legal dispute with buyers overseas.
- New markets and products will be explored for BGBA members.
- Various committees with both young and seasoned members will be established to collaborate with stakeholders like BGMEA, BKMEA, government bodies, NGOs, Bangladesh Bank and local banks.
- Rex coverage for Buying Houses will be increased to at least three times, currently from USD 6000 in a single invoice.
- A memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be established with all commercial banks for 720 LC transfers widely acceptable.
- BGBA member participation in international apparel exhibitions will be facilitated at further reduced rates through collaboration with EPB, and additional discounts will be arranged thru own management.
- Initiatives will be undertaken to procure own land and make buildings with modern amenities and facilities.
- Enhanced service for buyers will be provided by setting up dedicated booths at airports.
The accomplishment of the election is more than just a power shift; it also gives the BGBA a new chance to take center stage in Bangladesh’s crucial RMG industry. So, what is your upcoming initiative to take it to the next level?
Bangladesh Garments Buying House owners are the front-line marketers of the industry. It is a long-due expectation from the industry to bring honour and recognition to this tier of the supply chain.
We are looking forward to serving the members of BGBA, and also looking forward to shaping BGBA as an effective organization that will have a significant contribution to the RMG Industry of Bangladesh bringing 100 million exports by 2030 and transforming Smart Bangladesh by 2041.
We are also thankful to BGMEA for their outstanding support throughout our journey, The panel leader of Sammilito Parishad Mr SM Manan Kochi, Ex-President of BGMEA, The Secretary of Commerce and Industry, Bangladesh Awami League, Mr Siddiqur Rahman, for their outstanding support and mentoring.
Out of 719 voters, 570 votes were cast, and 7 votes were wrongly cast and wasted so the real casted votes are 563. So, it already reflects the participation and importance of this elected body. It increases our responsibility and accountability as an elected Panel Member. Our accountability to our voters, to the industry, and to the Government of Bangladesh.
The 12 elected board members from the Buyer’s Council are as follows (except ballot numbers 3, 6, and 16):
- Kazi Iftequer Hossain, CEO, Total Apparels (Panel Leader)
- Md Aminul Islam, CEO, City Apparel Tex Co.
- Kyaw Sein Thay Dolly, Managing Director, Cloths R Us Ltd
- Mofazzal Hossen Pavel, Managing Director, Dongyi Sourcing Ltd.
- Mohammed Morshed Alam, Director, Kleider Fashion Ltd.
- Emdad Ul Haque Miazi, Partner, Kiwi Fashion
- Abdul Mannan, Proprietor, Mam Bangladesh
- Rakibul Hasan, Managing Director, Vero Style Ltd.
- Wahidur Rahman, Managing Director, Turin Apparels Ltd.
- Shagufhta Newaz, Chairman, N2N Sourcing Ltd.
- Fazlul Haque, Managing Director, Nelima Fashion Ltd.
- Zakir Hossain, Chairman, Tex Solution Consulting Bangladesh Ltd.
The elected board members from Progressive Alliance are:
- Md Abdul Hamid Pintu, Proprietor, KFS Fashion
- A K M Saifur Rahman, Managing Partner, Wikitex BD
- Md Roman Mia, Proprietor, One Export & Import