Online Desk:
The apparel industry has gone through a challenging period and has now stabilized. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Khandaker Rafiqul Islam commented that the BGMEA board has been able to deal with the disastrous situation with the cooperation of the government, owners, workers, Bangladesh army and law enforcement forces.
This was informed at the “Meet the Press” conference of BGMEA held at BGMEA complex in Uttara, capital on Saturday (October 19, 2024).
He said the apparel industry has gone through a challenging period and has now achieved stability. With the cooperation of all, including the government, owners, workers, army and law enforcement, it has been possible to deal with the volatile situation.
Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said, everyone has given us full cooperation. For that, the BGMEA Board expresses its gratitude to all concerned including the Government and the Army. Moreover, buyers also have confidence in the garment industry of Bangladesh. With the concerted efforts of the BGMEA Board, under the guidance of the government, a joint force has been formed under the leadership of the army for the security of the garment factories and the joint force has regularly conducted patrols to ensure the security of garment-dominated areas. BGMEA has introduced community policing in collaboration with the army.
It was also said in the press conference that due to the uncertainty in the payment of August salaries in the garment factories, a letter was sent to the Finance Advisor seeking cooperation from BGMEA and the BGMEA Board met with the Governor of Bangladesh Bank. On the request of BGMEA, Bangladesh Bank has directed the banks to pay the salaries and allowances for the month of August.
The BGMEA president said that workers of 39 garment factories affected by Ashulia were unable to pay their salaries for the month of September due to labor unrest. BGMEA has requested the Ministry of Finance to provide loans to 39 garment factories on easy terms without interest for the purpose of paying salaries for the month of September. 4 million workers in the garment industry have been brought under the TCB Fair Price Scheme.
Other leaders and members of the board were also present at this time.
