A former president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Wednesday urged the government to operate ‘Chittagong Port’ for 24 hours a day for smooth export-import activities.
He said that the ready-made garment (RMG) export was happened due to the recent strike of the revenue board officials.
Kazi Muniruzzaman, former president of BGMEA, said this while speaking at the unveiling of the manifesto of Sammilito Parishad, a platform contesting in the upcoming election of BGMEA.
He also warned that if port operations are not maintained 24 hours a day, it will create complications in paying workers' salaries and bonuses before Eid-ul-Adha.
"If goods are not delivered on time, payments will not come from buyers, making it impossible to pay workers' salaries and bonuses," Muniruzzaman stated.
Customs houses to remain open during holidays to support RMG exports ahead of Eid
"In this situation, if the port is not kept open 24 hours, the owners will not be able to bear that responsibility,” he pointed out.
He emphasised the need to ensure uninterrupted port activities before Eid for the sake of the workers and urged the government to intervene swiftly.
Md. Abul Kalam, panel leader of the Sammilito Parishad, presented a 12-point election manifesto, highlighting the need for timely, courageous, and experienced leadership to achieve the US$100 billion export dream for the ready-made garment industry.
Kalam stated that the Sammilito Parishad's goal is to build a smart, sustainable, and future-oriented garment industry. To this end, they plan to form an 'SME Support Cell' for small and medium-sized factories, which will provide policy, financial, and legal assistance.
Furthermore, they will emphasise entry into the Middle East, Africa, and South America to diversify export markets.
Reducing over-reliance on Europe and America to mitigate global trade risks is also a key objective of the grouping.
The council also called for seasonal incentives to ensure electricity and gas supply to the industry.
They also outlined plans for training in artificial intelligence, IoT, ERP, and ESG for workers and managers to prepare for 4th industrial revolution, and the establishment of a 'Green Funding Desk' for green financing.
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For BGMEA members, they intend to launch an 'EPIC' one-stop support centre, where new entrepreneurs, women leaders, and SME enterprises will receive digital information and training services.
Additionally, to enhance the image of the garment industry in the global market, a 'Made in Bangladesh – Premium Edition' campaign will be launched to promote modern, sustainable, and high-quality products.
Kalam affirmed that a mandatory monthly savings-based worker welfare fund would be established to protect workers in future crises. Simultaneously, he pledged to simplify compliance processes for SME factories by introducing a 'Unified Code of Conduct.'
Faruque Hassan, former BGMEA president and chief coordinator of the Sammilito Parishad, highlighted their past achievements in leading the garment industry.
Economist Hasnat Alam also presented a comprehensive overview of the current state and future potential of the ready-made garment industry at the event.