Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Tuesday sought soft loan facilities of around Tk1,900 crore from the government to recoup their recent losses due to general holidays and severe flood disrupting communication on key Dhaka-Chittagong highway, UNB reports.
A BGMEA delegation led by its President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam made the demand when it met with the Finance and Commerce Adviser to the interim government Dr Salehuddin Ahmed at his ERD office in the capital’s Agargaon.
Following the meeting, Khandoker Rafiqul said that they sought such soft loan facilities from the Adviser for one month which could be repaid in one year.
“Besides, there were a couple of issues for discussions. We’re confident that if we work with the government, then we can move forward in the sector,” said the BGMEA President.
Besides, he said their loans are now being classified if any entrepreneur fails to pay three installments in a row which was earlier six installments.
“We’re demanding to make it six installments again, while if it is made so, then it could be changed again when the situation becomes normal.”
Rafiqul Islam said that the Adviser was very much positive and assured the BGMEA of extending his highest cooperation.
Responding to another question, Rafiqul said there is now no problem with the formation of a new committee of the BGMEA as the Ministry of Commerce had suggested to them to move forward the sector with current leadership.
bd-pratidin/GR
