RMG
Bangladesh to stay safe, sustainable apparel sourcing destination: BGMEA
The country's apparel industry is committed to carrying forward the achievements that have earned the sector global accolades as a safe and sustainable industry, said the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
"While our achievements make us immensely proud, they also inspire us to dream bigger and strengthen our tenacity to continue pursuance of excellence to retain the fame of Bangladesh as a safe and sustainable apparel sourcing destination," BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said.
He made the remark while speaking at a discussion on the road to sustainability and a transparent supply chain organised by OAV – German Asia-Pacific Business Association, the German importers, and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Berlin, and hosted by Wünsche Group Friday.
Faruque said Bangladesh has the highest number of LEED Green factories in the world, with 161 green factories certified by the USGBC, of which 48 are platinum-rated and 99 are gold-rated, and these green factories are equipped with all the eco-friendly features and emit 40 percent less carbon than a conventional factory.
The BGMEA has joined the German Green Button initiative which identifies socially and ecologically sustainable textiles that are placed on the market by responsible companies.
"Our commitment is to take the readymade garments (RMG) industry to the next level of sustainability and continue the momentum,'' Faruque said.
"If we talk about the transparency in the supply chain of the industry, we have seen some significant transformation here. All factory inspection reports are now disclosed online which has set a unique example in the world on the issue of workplace safety."
Md Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, ambassador of Bangladesh to Germany, Miran Ali, vice-president of BGMEA, Christian Moritz, managing director of Wunsche Gruppe, Almut Roessner, executive board member of OAV, Dr Michael Arretz, CEO of VFI, Christian Ewert, global director of TEDD – Trusted Experts on Due Diligence, and Md Saiful Islam, commercial counsellor of the Bangladesh Embassy in Berlin, also spoke.
BGMEA directors Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Md Imranur Rahman, Neela Hosna Ara and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell Shams Mahmud were also present.
Also read: BGMEA hopes for continued support of German govt to RMG industry
RMG worker Parvin gets Tk 20 lakh buying Walton fridge
A garment worker named 'Parvin Akhter' at Latifpur area of Kashimpur in Gazipur sadar was awarded Tk 20 lakh cashback on the purchase of Walton brand refrigerator under the prevailing customer benefits, offered by the company in its nationwide ongoing 'Digital Campaign Season-15'.
She purchased the fridge on installment facility with a down payment of Tk 4,550 only from the Walton Plaza Panishail branch.
Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC's Deputy Managing Director Nazrul Islam Sarker and Plaza Trade's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohammad Rayhan officially handed over a cheque to Parvin Akhter at a prgramme held at Walton Plaza Panshail branch in Gazipur on Monday, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.
Read Eid: Walton Digital Campaign Season 15 starts
The domestic brand initiated the digital campaign for providing the best and most swift after-sales services through online automation. Through the digital registration system, detailed information including the buyer's name, mobile number, and model number of product sold is being stored on Walton's server. As a result, customers get fast service from any Walton service center in the country even if they have lost the warranty card.
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, Walton commenced Season-15 of its digital campaign with the offer of lucrative customer benefits. To encourage buyer's spontaneous participation in the Season-15, Walton is offering sure cashback up to Tk 20 lakh as well as crores of taka worth of free products for each buyer of its fridge, TV, AC, washing machine, microwave oven, blender, gas stove, rice cooker, and fan.
Also Read: Walton brings Arc CPU liquid coolers
Parvin Akhtar came from the Lalmia Sarkar Kandi village of Faridpur sadar. She has one son and a daughter.
Long-time ago, she got divorced from her husband. Now, she is working in a garment factory named 'Big Boss' in Gazipur and also struggling to make ends meet with her two children. However, purchasing a Walton refrigerator at the installment facility changed the fortunes of Parvin and her two children, added the release.
According to authorities, Walton fridge customers are getting 12 years compressor guaranty, along with a one-year replacement warranty, 5-year free after-sales services, swift after-sales services through a total of 77 service centers across the country, and also maximum 36 months easy installment facility.
Read EPB assures Walton of support to boost electronics, electrical products exports
BGMEA launches ‘Cash Incentive Automation System’
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has launched its online-based ‘Cash Incentive Automation System’ to make application procedures faster, simpler, transparent and more convenient for garment factories.
It will enable the members of BGMEA to submit their application online for cash incentives provided by the government to encourage and boost RMG exports.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan inaugurated the ‘Cash Incentive Automation System’ on Saturday.
Also read: BGMEA chief for working harder to safeguard progress, prospects
BGMEA Vice Presidents and Directors were present at the inaugural ceremony held at the conference of BGMEA in Uttara.
Faruque Hassan said the world is going through a digital revolution where adapting to the changing trends with the available technologies is a must to remain competitive in the global market.
Keeping the context in mind, BGMEA has already digitized a number of its services for the members, including Workers’ Biometric Database, UD automation, Cash Incentive Automation System, Membership Management System to ensure quick, efficient and smooth services to all member factories, he said.
Also read: OECD delegation calls on BGMEA president
BGMEA has taken these initiatives in line with the government’s vision of Digital Bangladesh, he added.
Recently BGMEA has been awarded the ‘WITSA Global ICT Excellence Awards’ in the Sustainable Growth/Circular Economy Award category by WITSA for using ‘Biometric Identity and Worker Information Management System’ in 25th WCIT (World Congress on Information Technology).
The BGMEA also won the “Digital Bangladesh Award 2021” for its ‘Biometric Identity and Worker Information Management System’.
Read Huawei Technologies willing to support RMG sector in renewable energy: BGMEA
BGMEA claiming 100 percent salaries, bonuses paid to RMG workforce
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has claimed 100 percent salary and Eid bonus of the country’s readymade garment industries have been paid.
BGMEA president Faruque Hassan in a statement on Saturday thanked workers and all concerned including law enforcers for cooperation to do the job smoothly.
He said that the garment workers are going to celebrate the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr with their families with the dedicated cooperation of all.
BGMEA president said 100 percent factories have been paid festival allowances and advance pay in April as per the decision of the government. Eid holiday has also been announced to 100 percent of the factories.
Read: RMG workers block road for Eid bonus, 20 hurt in clash with cops in Savar
At the same time, the leader of the garment factory entrepreneurs also thanked the workers for paying their dues in spite of limitations by maintaining the continuity of the previous year.
Faruque further said that according to the information received, the traffic pressure on the highways has come down as compared to other previous years due to the holidays being given on different dates and at different times this year.
He thanked the government for taking various steps to reduce traffic congestion on the highways and to make the Eid journey of homebound people easier and safer.
Bangladesh to retain fame as safe, sustainable apparel sourcing destination: BGMEA
The country's readymade garment (RMG) industry is committed to sustaining its achievements in workplace safety and environmental sustainability that have earned the sector global accolades, said the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
A tangible transformation has taken place in Bangladesh's apparel industry following massive safety initiatives along with extensive training of workers jointly undertaken by the government, brands, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and development partners, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Thursday.
"And we are determined to retain the fame of Bangladesh as a safe and sustainable apparel sourcing destination in the world," he added.
Read OECD delegation calls on BGMEA president
Faruque made the observations while speaking at a programme organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, marking National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2022 in Dhaka.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi attended the programme as the chief guest while State Minister for Labor and Employment Begum Munnujan Sufian was present as a special guest.
The BGMEA president said while Bangladeshi garment factories have become safer, a concrete change has also taken place in the mindset of both workers and owners who now view workplace safety as an integral part of the industry.
Read BGMEA chief for working harder to safeguard progress, prospects
Safety initiatives along with training programmes supported by TC-ILO on worker-management relations, occupational safety and health, and labour laws for both factory management and workers have contributed to the change, he added.
The RMG Sustainability Council has been formed to sustain workplace safety in Bangladesh, Faruque said.
ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen, Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments Inspector General of Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Bangladesh Employers Federation President Ardashir Kabir, and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association Executive President Mohammad Hatem were also present at the programme.
Read Huawei Technologies willing to support RMG sector in renewable energy: BGMEA
RMG industry's development means betterment of Bangladesh's people: BGMEA
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has said the apparel industry belongs to the people of the country.
The development of the industry means the development of Bangladesh and the betterment of its people, it added.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said the ready-made garment (RMG) industry has attained today's glorious position with the collective contribution of all stakeholders.
He sought the support and cooperation of all for the development of the industry in the coming days.
READ: Speakers for replicating RMG success model to boost plastic sector
Faruque was addressing an iftar party organised for BGMEA members and other dignitaries at a Chattogram hotel Sunday.
Former BGMEA president SM Fazlul Hoque, incumbent First Vice-President Syed Nazrul Islam; vice-presidents Shahidullah Azim, Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Md Nasir Uddin, Rakibul Alam Chowdhury; directors, former vice-presidents and directors were present at the iftar party.
Speakers for replicating RMG success model to boost plastic sector
For a sustainable development of plastic sector in post-LDC era, speakers in a webinar have urged to ease duty structure on import of plastic raw materials, modernization of respective policies, encouraging uses of bio-plastic, signing of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)or Preferential trade arrangements (PTAs) with potential countries.
They sought some initiatives for booming plastic business and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) on priority basis for increasing negotiation skills to protect the domestic market, bringing product diversification, development of plastic waste management system, technological advancement, enhancing accredited world class testing lab facilities, and innovative product designing.
Speakers put emphasis on these issues at a webinar on “Sustainable export growth in post-LDC world: strategies for the plastic sector” organized by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) on Saturday.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus joined the webinar as the chief guest. DCCI President Rizwan Rahman chaired the event. FBCCI President Md. Jashim Uddin joined as special guest.
Also read: Self-reliance in seed production essential for food security: FBCCI
Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus said that the existing nexus between the public and private sector is stronger than ever that leads Bangladesh to a new height.
In order to identify various prospects and challenges in the plastic sector, he suggested forming a national taskforce combining public and private sector participation.
He also urged for a better plastic waste management solution.
Rizwan Rahman, in his opening remarks said that the plastic sector witnessed a rapid commercialization and became an important export item of Bangladesh.
Export of plastic goods contributes 0.33 percent to the GDP. Around 5,110 companies are operational in the plastic sector and 98 percent of them are SMEs, he mentioned.
“To ensure sustainable industrial growth, a draft Plastic Policy was developed by the Government. Since many preferences will not exist in the post-LDC era, FTA and RTAs can be signed with the potential countries,” the DCCI president said.
“We need to replicate the RMG success model to other export-led manufacturing sectors as well. Product diversification is essential while changing raw materials to recycled plastic waste as a viable alternative,” he added.
Also read: FBCCI to boost business with Mexico
Md. Jashim Uddin, President, FBCCI, Shamim Ahmed, President, Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA), Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam, NBR Member (Customs), Dr. Ijaz Hossain, retired professor of Chemical Engineering, BUET, among others, spoke in the function.
USAID launches $5 mn project to empower women in RMG factories
US Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a $5 million project titled “Women Thrive in Bangladesh” to empower women who are working in readymade garment factories in Bangladesh.
With the US government support, CARE Bangladesh will implement the new project and expand professional development opportunities for over 100,000 women working in sector by equipping them with market-oriented leadership skills.
Read USAID: Some structural issues to be fixed in Bhasan Char
Cleaner, greener production cannot come at free of cost: BGMEA chief
Cleaner and greener production cannot come at free of cost, Faruque Hassan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said Sunday.
"There is a sharp disconnect between sustainability and pricing mechanisms. Supplying countries like Bangladesh have their challenges and constraints. So we need more strategic collaboration in this regard," he added.
Faruque was addressing the programme "Securing Green Transition of the Textile and Readymade Garments Sector in Bangladesh" organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) in the city.
Also read: BGMEA urges LGRD Ministry to repair roads in industrial areas
"Environment sits at the top of our agenda at the BGMEA and the sector at large. Bangladesh has the highest number of LEED Green factories in the world, with 157 certified by the USGBC – 47 platinum rated, 96 gold rated," the BGMEA president said.
"These green factories are equipped with all the eco-friendly features and emit around 40 percent less carbon than a conventional factory. However, we need technical assistance with regard to access to technologies, and building capacity of our human resources to embrace the green technologies and processes."
Saber Hossain Chowdhury, member of parliament and chairman of the Standing Committee on Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, attended the programme as chief guest.
Christine Johansson, deputy head of mission and head of development co-operation at the Embassy of Sweden, also spoke while the programme was moderated by CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun.
Also read: BGMEA seeks govt support in addressing RMG sector’s challenges
Mohammad Hatem, executive president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Shams Mahmud, former president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and managing director of Shasha Denims, Md Fazlul Hoque, managing director of Plummy Fashions and former president of the Bangladesh Employers' Federation, also spoke.
Textiles, apparel exports to US increase by 30.68pc: OTEXA
The import volume of textiles and apparel from Bangladesh by the United States of America (USA) keeps growing with 30.68 per cent rise last year, according to the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), USA.
The OTEXA recently published the monthly trade data of the United State of America for the period of January-November, 2021.
The US import from Bangladesh during the mentioned period has increased by 30.68% compared to the same period of 2020, whereas their global import saw 25.43% growth, said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Mohiuddin Rubel on Sunday.
Also read: BGMEA calls for investment in high value-added, non-cotton textile
China being the top import market for USA and having a 24% share of the USA’s total apparel import, posted 27.29% growth during this period, he said.
During this period USA's import from Vietnam has grown by 12.73%.
Countries which have seen significant growth are - Pakistan 59.30%, Honduras 47.10%, India 35.47%, and Mexico 29.67%.
Also read: Textiles lobby at work to secure govt handouts based on 2nd wave