Leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), representing a joint council contesting the upcoming election, have pledged to increase Bangladesh’s garment exports to $50 billion over the next five years if elected.
Speaking at an iftar event hosted by Sammilita Parishad at the Army Golf Club in Dhaka, they highlighted their past contributions to the industry, including a “green revolution” in garment manufacturing. They pointed to the creation of a comprehensive worker database, the round-the-clock operation of ports, including Chittagong, and the streamlining of trade documentation by empowering the Customs Bond Commissionerate to issue Utilization Permissions (UP) and Certificates of Origin against Utilization Declarations (UD).
They also outlined key infrastructure developments, such as the construction of a dedicated garment industry warehouse at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport and efforts to rebuild the sector following the Rana Plaza collapse. Tax exemptions on safety equipment, the launch of the BGMEA BUFT Journalism Fellowship, the Dhaka Apparel Summit, and the establishment of BGMEA Hospital in Chittagong were also noted as milestones.
Additionally, they pledged to strengthen industry oversight and worker welfare by establishing an Industrial Police Department, a Fire Safety and Engineering Department within BGMEA, and a training center to enhance worker skills. They also emphasized the formation of a Central Fund to support workers’ well-being.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
