The candidates of Sammilito Parishad for the upcoming BGMEA elections were formally introduced at the first panel introduction meeting held on Thursday at Hotel Radisson Blu in Dhaka. The election to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) for the 2024-2026 term will be held on March 9 this year. Sammilito Parishad is participating in the BGMEA election with the slogan ‘Sammilito Parishad for Building Sustainable Garment Industry.’ Owners of garment industries from Dhaka and Chattogram regions were present at the event. 13 exhibitors from Bangladesh participate in Texworld Apparel Sourcing in France The panel introduction programme was presided over by Tipu Munshi MP, former Commerce Minister, and President of Sammilito Parishad. At the event, Md. Atiqul Islam, General Secretary of Sammilito Parishad, and Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), introduced the panel members of Sammilito Parishad, including the Panel Leader and Senior Vice President of BGMEA, S. M. Mannan Kochi, who is also the Chairman of Seha Design (BD) Ltd. Tipu Munshi MP, former Commerce Minister, and President of Sammilito Parishad, along with Md. Atiqul Islam, General Secretary of Sammilito Parishad and Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Md. Siddiqur Rahman, former President of BGMEA, Chief Election Coordinator of Sammilito Parishad for the BGMEA Election 2024-2026, and Industries and Trade Affairs Secretary of the Awami League, and former Presidents of BGMEA Abdus Salam Murshedy MP, and S.M. Fazlul Hoque along with other industry leaders, spoke at the panel introduction program. Indonesian Ambassador and BGMEA President discuss bilateral trade opportunities In their speeches, the leaders highlighted the glorious history, contributions, achievements, and future prospects of the Sammilito Parishad. They mentioned the significant contributions of S. M. Mannan (Kochi) to the development of the ready-made garment industry while mentioning his leadership qualities. The leaders also highlighted the important roles played by other candidates of the Sammilito Parishad panel in the development of the RMG industry. They also mentioned that crucial government policy decisions for the RMG industry’s development were made during the tenures of BGMEA Boards led by Sammilito Parishad. During these tenures, the Presidents along with former Presidents successfully dealt with the challenges of the industry through engagement with the highest level of the government. Alongside,they expressed firm belief that Sammilito Parishad, if elected, would continue the legacy of success. Innovation policy unveiled to overcome global challenges for textile and apparel industry S. M. Mannan (Kochi) said, "We have formed a panel comprising experienced and young leaders with the aim of ensuring sustainable development of the garment industry. If we win the election, we will all work together.” At the event, the leaders urged the BGMEA members to vote to elect the full panel of the Sammilito Parishad in the upcoming BGMEA election.

Faruque Hassan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), has called upon students to prepare themselves as responsible and compassionate individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world. “Pursue excellence, embrace challenges, and create your path with determination and passion. As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that the choices you make today will shape the person you become tomorrow,” he said. RANGS eMART launches “Daikin AC- A global leader in air conditioning technology.”  The BGMEA chief was speaking at an orientation proramme organised by the Independent University of Bangladesh (IUB) for the freshers. He also highlighted the disparity between classroom education and real-world performance. Faruque Hassan stressed the significance of practical experiences, internships, and interactions with professionals in the students’ respective fields of interest. 80 percent of brokerage houses struggling Real-life training and industry orientation programmes, he said, are vital in narrowing this gap. Highlighting the immense contributions of the ready-made garment industry and its ongoing developments, President Faruque urged the students to play a crucial role in portraying the true image of the industry. Inviting them to visit garment factories, he said, “Explore our factories to witness firsthand how the industry transforms lives and contributes to the economy.” He also invited the students to visit the BGMEA Complex, exploring its initiatives in R&D, circularity, sustainability, market promotion, and design development, contributing to the advancement of the RMG industry. Uniqlo sues Shein over alleged copy of its popular ‘Mary Poppins bag’ “Your time at the university is not just about earning a degree; it’s a transformative period that shapes your character and broadens your horizons,” Faruque Hassan said. Didar A Husain, chairman of the Board of Trustees, IUB; Professor Tanweer Hasan, vice chancellor of the university; Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan, pro-vice chancellor, Khandker Md Iftekhar Haider, treasurer of IUB were also present at the event.

Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), has stressed the importance of creating educated and skilled human resources out of the underprivileged children and enabling them to participate in mainstream development. “A large of number of underprivileged children still remains out of formal education. We have to ensure education for them to break the cycle of poverty for these children and turn them into asset for the country,” he said. 10,500 HSC, equivalent examinees to get scholarship: DSHE The BGMEA president highlighted the significance of investing in education and skills development programs to equip less privileged children with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure employment and thus contribute to the economic development of Bangladesh, said a press release issued on Tuesday. During his visit to the Shishukanon Pre-primary School in Saidpur today, which is established and operated by Manabik Shahajya Sangstha (MSS) for the children of disadvantaged people, Faruque highlighted the significance of investing in education and skills development programs. Secondary schools can be shut if temperature drops below 10 C: DSHE Director of Giant Group Sharmeen Hassan Tithi was also present during the visit. The aim is to equip less privileged children with the knowledge and skills essential for securing employment, thereby contributing to the economic development of Bangladesh. He spent time with the students of the school encouraging them to pursue education diligently. He presented the students with educational materials, foods and toys and assured of his assistance in the future. Nowfel wants new unis to refrain from running undergraduate courses at start of journey The BGMEA President urged the affluent community to come forward and extend a helping hand in providing education for the underprivileged. Collective efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for these children and, consequently, the nation, he added.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Vidiya Amrit Khan has said recycling has always been a part of Bangladesh in a non-systematic and informal way as hand-me-downs or passed on to plastic handlers and fabric segregators. “We need detailed waste management policy at local, national and international level,” Vidiya Amrit said while speaking at a dialogue titled ‘Circularity, de-carbonization, and competitiveness in Bangladesh’s apparel sector’ held at a hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday night.    Dr. M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, moderated the dialogue. BGMEA President calls upon Carrefour to buy more high-value garments from Bangladesh LightCastle Partners, a prominent management consulting firm, and Policy Exchange Bangladesh, jointly organized the dialogue that highlighted a number of challenges such as the banks and financial institutions’ lack of meeting 5% ‘green loan’ target. Other challenges in the sector include attracting the right investments, financial problems for establishing solar factories, the inability of most organizations regarding repayment of loans, and not easy access to loans for small and medium-level organizations. About 84% of Bangladesh’s export earnings come from this sector. If a circular economy is adopted, Bangladesh may benefit economically, the speakers observed.         While presenting for a deep dive workshop, Mrinmoy Sobhan, Business Consultant at LightCastle Partners, said that the use of garment products is expected to reach 102 billion items across the world by 2030. “It may increase the emission of greenhouse gases by up to 50%. Bangladesh’s apparel sector produces about 5.77 lakh tonnes of textile waste in a year. “ BGMEA president, Li and Fung chairman discuss collaboration for RMG industry’s development Md. Ariful Hoque, Director General of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), said recycled products also need to have enough competitive edge, otherwise consumers will not accept them, according to a media release. According to the latest report of BGMEA, there are over 200 industry-friendly apparel factories in the country. It is imperative to give attention to the issue of reuse of textile wastage for reducing carbon footprint.       Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Vice President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Abdullah Hil Rakib, Managing Director of Team Group, Dr. Zaki Uz Zaman, Bangladesh Country Representative of the United Nations Development Organization (UNIDO), Kazi Faisal Bin Seraj, Country Representative of the Asia Foundation, among others, spoke. On behalf of LightCastle Partners, its Co-founder and Director Zahedul Amin, Business Consultant Samiha Anwar, and other officials spoke. BGMEA, H&M Group discuss collaboration to further strengthen partnership with Bangladesh According to a report by Denmark-based Fashion Partnership Organization, 2019, Bangladesh exports 60% of its textile wastage annually. But Bangladesh can reduce its 15% demand of total cotton import by reusing its wastage cotton, said a media release.                At the same time, the demand for water in its textile industry will increase threefold compared to its internal demand by 2030. Under the circumstances, it is imperative to ensure the growth of the circular economy for sustainable development in the apparel sector. While presenting the keynote paper at the dialogue, Faisal Rabbi, Stakeholder Engagement & Public Affairs Manager, H&M, said 60% of our GHG emission is coming from production countries, to achieve our net zero target by 2040 the GHG reduction must happen in production countries like Bangladesh. The Bangladesh government and the industry here need to align with the goals of fashion brands as they are not just goals set by the brands but a legal requirement for market access going forward.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hasan on Thursday said the rumour that a sanction might have been imposed against Bangladesh caused by the LC clause, is "baseless and incorrect". LCs are private commercial instrument, not statutory order or notice. "So this should not be misinterpreted as a measure of trade enforcement or economic sanction. Moreover, the BGMEA did not receive any information from our diplomatic mission or from any official sources to support any sanction or trade measure," said the BGMEA chief in a message to its members, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers. Marcel fridge customer gets Tk 1 lakh worth cash voucher in Noakhali He urged all the brands, retailers and their agents not to complicate trade with external issues, particularly not to insert any unnecessary clause creating such confusion. "We also urge our members not to accept any LCs having such a clause, and to communicate with the respective buyer(s), solicit clarification and amendment if such clause is found in the LC," said Faruque Hassan. Given all the progresses and initiatives the industry has taken to protect the legitimate rights and wellbeing of the workers, and the sustainability vision 2030, he said they are pursuing through actions, and there is no ground to impose any sanction against Bangladesh as far as the RMG industry is concerned. CEMS-Global USA’s series of exhibitions kicks off Thursday "However, we are also working with our government so that any issues or concerns are addressed through diplomatic efforts that support continued progress within the industry and economic security to the workers," he said. The much discussed LC was transferred by the ZXY International against a master LC issued by a French buyer named ‘KARIBAN’. ZXY transferred the LC in favour of ‘Knit Concern’, a member of the BGMEA. The BGMEA collected copy of the LC. It was issued by Standard Chartered Bank l, Dubai. The LC contains the following text -  “We will not process transactions involving any country, region or party sanctioned by the UN, US, EU, UK. We are not liable for any delay, non-performance or/ disclosure of information for Sanctions Reasons”. The BGMEA sought clarification from ZXY on such clause. “We received a formal clarification from ZXY, as well as got a clarification statement by the original buyer KARIBAN, which makes it clear.” Strengthened Bangladesh-US collaboration holds promising trade opportunities: BGMEA President The clarification envisages: a)     KARIBAN did not insert this clause in its master LC in favor of ZXY International. b)    The clause was inserted by SCB Dubai, which they have been doing in every LC since 30th November 2022. c)     The clause does NOT state that there is any sanction against Bangladesh. d)    ZXY International confirmed that they will remove the clause in the LC, and if required they will issue a fresh LC without that clause. 

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) unveiled a new vision at a city hotel on Tuesday. Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was present at the programme as the chief guest, said a media release. BGMEA president Faruque Hassan presided over the event while its former president Abdus Salam Murshedy, vice-president Shahidullah Azim, Miran Ali, directors Sherin Salam, Asif Ashraf, Mohiuddin Rubel, Harun-ur-Rashid, Navidul Haque, Vidiya Amrit Khan, Inamul Haque Khan, Imranur Rahman, Hosne Ara Nila, and Giant Group director Sharmin Hasan Tithi, among others, were present. Also Read: BGMEA seeks faster delivery of raw materials through green channel

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to provide green channel facility to RMG exporters to ensure faster delivery of imported garment raw materials through coordination between the Customs and port authorities. He also called on the NBR to issue a self-clearance licence to RMG exporters to allow them to take quick delivery of imported raw materials from the ports. The BGMEA chief made the request during a meeting with NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem held at NBR office in the city on Monday. Also read: Workers' well-being: BGMEA encourages dialogue BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Director Asif Ashraf and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell Shams Mahmud were also present at the meeting. The BGMEA leaders stressed on the importance of simplifying business procedures for the export-oriented apparel industry in order to retain its competitiveness in the global market. They requested the NBR to remove customs and bond related hindrances from the business proceedings to accelerate the growth of the RMG industry. Faruque Hassan said simplified business procedures will reduce lead time, thus will make the apparel industry of Bangladesh more competitive. It will pave the way of seizing new opportunities that are lying ahead of the RMG industry, he added. Also read: BGMEA chief appraises US govt officials about the significant strides made by RMG industry NBR Chairman Muneem congratulated the RMG sector on making outstanding contributions to the total export earnings of Bangladesh that reached USD 52.08 billion in 2021-2022 financial years where the apparel industry alone fetched USD 42.61 billion. This is a great achievement and milestone for Bangladesh in the year after the country celebrated its 50th anniversary, he said.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged the government to keep the source tax on export earnings unchanged for at least for next five years to help the sector overcome difficult moment. BGMEA president Faruque Hassan made the appeal during a post-budget press conference at a city hotel on Monday. BGMEA first vice president Syed Nazrul Islam, senior vice president S.M. Mannan (Kochi), vice president Md. Shahidullah Azim, vice president (finnace) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam and BGMEA directors were present.     The government has proposed increasing the source tax on export profits to 1 per cent from the existing 0.5 per cent in the next fiscal year 2022-2023. Also read: Bangladesh to stay safe, sustainable apparel sourcing destination: BGMEA “If the industry sustains, revenue and new employments will be generated,” said the BGMEA chief, noting that the export volume is expected to reach US$ 41 billion in the outgoing fiscal year 2021-2022. Hassan said overall revenue can be boosted without increasing source tax on expert earnings by raising capacity of the industry. He also said they want to achieve export target of US$ 45 billion in the next fiscal year. Also read: BGMEA hopes for continued support of German govt to RMG industry The BGMEA chief also demanded 10 per cent special incentive on non-cotton garments export in an effort to encourage more export through investment in non-cotton sector. Bangladesh total RMG exports’ 74 per cent are made of cotton while the global share of total textile consumption is only 25 percent. The apparel makers say demand for non-cotton products is on the rise due to rapid change in consumers’ lifestyle and increasing demand for sustainable and environment-friendly products. The BGMEA chief said they had a demand to withdraw 10 per cent tax and they still think it is logical to keep the cash incentives out the tax net as it is not an income through business. Hassan also demanded zero duty on import of solar panels to promote environment-friendly sustainable growth of the industry. The government has proposed 1 percent import duty on solar panels for the fiscal year 2022-2023. “This is now an industry of US$ 41 billion with government’s policy support,” he said, hoping that the government will consider the recommendations to help the industry grow further. On BM Container depot fire, the BGMEA president said most of the containers destroyed in the fire were loaded with garment products. “This (fire) caused more damage to our image than financial loss.”

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

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