The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has evaluated the new government's first six months in office, noting that while six months is not enough to fully assess an administration, several positive measures have been taken to assist the private sector and restore economic momentum.

In an official evaluation statement, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem highlighted key policy interventions, including central bank initiatives to introduce incentive packages and refinancing facilities aimed at reopening sick, partially closed, or closed industrial units.

The apparel trade body welcomed the government's decision to allow partially export-oriented and non-bonded exporters to import raw materials duty-free against bank guarantees, describing it as a major relief that will ease operational workflows for exporters. BKMEA also commended recent business-friendly adjustments made to the national tax policy.

Identifying energy shortages as the primary immediate obstacle for industrial manufacturing, BKMEA acknowledged that the gas and electricity crisis cannot be solved overnight as it was inherited from the previous administration.

The trade association praised the Prime Minister and Energy Minister for seeking direct input from business leaders to address these challenges, alongside importing LNG from the spot market to provide immediate relief.

The BKMEA president referenced recent remarks by the Finance Minister, who explained that resolving the gas crisis would take up to two years as setting up a new Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) requires time, while confirming that long-term plans to establish an additional FSRU are underway.

Regarding financial and social stability, BKMEA observed that despite various steps taken by Bangladesh Bank, structural issues within the banking sector remain unresolved. The trade body also noted a slight deterioration in the overall law and order situation during this six-month period.

Concluding the assessment, Mohammad Hatem expressed confidence that the government is making maximum efforts to tackle these complex economic hurdles and hoped that sustainable, long-term solutions would be implemented in due course.