Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has sought the cooperation of the ‘Global Buyers Forum’ to introduce a ‘Unified Code of Conduct’ for a sustainable garment supply chain.
The issue was a priority during a meeting held on Wednesday at the BGMEA building in Uttara, attended by representatives from 40 brands across various countries.
The Global Buyers Forum, a platform of international buyers, requested that Bangladesh develop its logistics sector, ease the complexities of customs and National Board of Revenue, reform, labor laws, ensure a decent working environment, and implement environmental due diligence for a more sustainable supply chain.
Discussions at the meeting covered a wide range of topics, including the 20 percent US tariff on Bangladeshi products, product diversification, labour sector reforms, renewable energy use, Bangladesh's readiness for LDC graduation, and challenges related to the GSP Plus threshold.
BGMEA Director Nafis-Ud-Doula gave a presentation on the "Unified Code of Conduct," explaining that this system would simplify audits, promote corporate social responsibility, and reduce pressure on factories.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted the recent progress in ‘Labour Reforms’ in Bangladesh, stating that these changes are not only to meet international standards but also to ensure a sustainable and safe industrial environment.
He called on brands to partner with Bangladesh in this positive transformation. BGMEA leaders also urged brands to increase their sourcing from Bangladesh and strengthen partnerships with local suppliers to produce more innovative, high-quality products.
Brand representatives noted that there is significant opportunity for growth through fashion designing within the industry. They advised the BGMEA to open a technical design section at the BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) and to employ young fashion designers at the factory level. This, they said, is a key expectation of brands from Bangladeshi garment exporters.
BGMEA leaders also called on brands to support entrepreneurs by developing better pricing models and efficiency models to make the industry more competitive and ethically strong. The brand representatives present assured their continued support for the development of Bangladesh's garment industry.
Both the BGMEA and Buyers Forum exchanged views on how to further strengthen cooperation to ensure a sustainable supply chain.
The meeting was attended by a BGMEA delegation led by President Mahmud Hasan Khan, which included First Vice President Salim Rahman, Vice Presidents Md. Rezwan Selim, Mizanur Rahman, Vidiya Amrit Khan, Md. Shihab Uddoza Chowdhury, and several other directors and standing committee chairmen.