RMG
Production in 220 RMG factories in Ctg resumes under special arrangement
Production in 220 garment factories in Chattogram out of 350 resumed on Tuesday under special arrangements by the local administration.
First vice-president of BGMEA Nazrul Islam said the orders in some garment factories are going to be stooped soon and to continue the production of the factories, the authorities concerned has decided to resume their operation.
Besides, the workers of those 220 factories were taken to their respected factories with police protection.
Meanwhile, Chattogram port authorities resumed their operation partially on Tuesday with internet access.
The government has restored the internet services at the port on a limited scale for keeping the port activities functional.
However, the loading and unloading of goods in the port remain undisrupted.
BGMEA, Cascale discuss collaboration to make garment industry sustainable
BGMEA President S. M. Mannan (Kochi) on Monday urged Cascale to lead the effort in formulating a unified code of conduct that would benefit all stakeholders, including buyers, manufacturers, and workers worldwide.
He emphasized that sustainability in the industry's long-term future hinges on such measures.
Different codes of conduct from various buyers and multiple audits in garment factories not only waste time and money for factories but also complicate the audit process and hinder compliance.
To foster sustainability in the industry, it is crucial to establish unified codes of conduct and standardized protocols for factory audits.
A meeting was held between Colin Browne, CEO of Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition), and leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
The objective was to collaborate on harmonizing protocols for developing and auditing unified codes of conduct within the apparel sector.
The meeting, held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara was chaired by BGMEA President S. M. Mannan (Kochi) and attended by Vice President Abdullah Hill Rakib, Directors Ashikur Rahman (Tuhin), Shams Mahmud, Abrar Hossain Sayem, Md Mohiuddin Rubel, and Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee.
Key topics of discussion included the necessity of formulating a unified code of conduct universally accepted for social and technical audits in the industry.
Cascale's CEO Colin Browne mentioned Bangladesh's progress in the garment sector while highlighting the need for further improvements. By joining forces, BGMEA and Cascale can collaboratively advance sustainable practices in the apparel industry and collectively strive towards bringing positive transformations throughout the supply chain.
The meeting also explored potential areas for cooperation to foster industry development, ensure compliance with forthcoming regulations such as the Due Diligence Directive, and enhance factory capabilities to improve worker welfare.
Cascale is a global platform with over 400 members, including brands and NGOs.
Both parties agreed that Cascale will conduct training sessions on the Code of Conduct at the factory level. This initiative aims to enhance factory capacities to comply effectively with these standards.
2 more RMG factories get LEED certification, total number now 220
Two more readymade garment (RMG) factories of the country have achieved the recognition of the LEED certification this month, raising the number of the LEED certified factories to 220.
As of May this year, the number of the LEED certification factories was 218, with 12 factories earning the certification in the past five months.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognised green building rating system that emphasizes environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
The recognition of the LEED certification refers to underscoring the country's commitment to green initiatives within the garment sector, said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Mohiuddin Rubel.
Of the 220 certified factories, 84 have achieved the highest, platinum rating, 122 have earned gold, 10 silver and 4 are certified, as reported by the BGMEA.
The newly certified factories are Cotton Club & Cotton Clout-Building 1 of Gazipur’s Kashimpur and Graphics Textiles Limited of Dhaka’s Dhamrai, with achieving 71 and 78 scores in the gold category.
In the last five months till May, eight of the newly certified factories received the platinum rating, while the remaining four were awarded gold. Notable performers include S.M. Sourcing with 106 points and Green Textiles Limited Unit 4 with 104 points. Other high scorers include Integra Dresses and Knit Asia Limited, both achieving 99 points, Remi Holdings Ltd with 97 points, and Fatullah Apparels, also scoring 97 points.
Bangladesh’s achievement positions the country as a leader in the global sustainable fashion movement, with 56 out of the 100 LEED-certified green factories worldwide located here, according to BGMEA.
This includes 9 of the top 10 and 18 of the top 20 LEED-certified factories globally, based on BGMEA data.
The geographic distribution of these certifications within Bangladesh illustrates the RMG industry's widespread commitment to sustainability.
Bangladesh’s RMG sector sets sustainability benchmark with 12 new “LEED Green Factories” in 2024
In the first five months of 2024, Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable fashion, with 12 factories earning LEED certification.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building rating system that emphasizes environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
This recent accomplishment brings Bangladesh's total to 218 LEED-certified green factories, underscoring the country's commitment to green initiatives within the garment sector, according to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Mohiuddin Rubel.
RMG Sustainability Council holds meeting to discuss issues affecting industry
Of the 218 certified factories, 84 have achieved the highest, platinum rating, 120 have earned gold, 10 silver, and 4 are certified, as reported by the BGMEA.
In the first five months of 2024, eight of the newly certified factories received the platinum rating, while the remaining four were awarded gold. Notable performers include S.M. Sourcing with 106 points and Green Textiles Limited Unit 4 with 104 points. Other high scorers include Integra Dresses and Knit Asia Limited, both achieving 99 points, Remi Holdings Ltd with 97 points, and Fatullah Apparels, also scoring 97 points.
Bangladesh’s achievement positions the country as a leader in the global sustainable fashion movement, with 56 out of the 100 LEED-certified green factories worldwide located here, according to BGMEA.
This includes 9 of the top 10 and 18 of the top 20 LEED-certified factories globally, based on BGMEA data.
RMG exports up by almost 5pc in FY 2023-24
The geographic distribution of these certifications within Bangladesh illustrates the RMG industry's widespread commitment to sustainability.
By proactively achieving LEED ratings, Bangladesh's garments industry is setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship, positioning the country as a key player in the global push for more sustainable manufacturing practices.
BGMEA president seeks EU's support for RMG sector development
President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) SM Mannan (Kochi) on Sunday called on the European Union (EU) to continue its support for Bangladesh’s RMG industry, particularly by extending the transition period from the Everything But Arms (EBA) to GSP Plus.
This extension is crucial to ensure that Bangladesh can sustain its economic growth even after graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, he said.
A delegation comprising ambassadors and representatives from the European Union, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain and Italy met the BGMEA leaders and discussed issues of mutual interest.
The delegation included Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, Ambassador of Denmark Christian Brix-Moller, Ambassador of Germany Achim Troster, Ambassador of Italy Antonio Alessando, Ambassador of Sweden Alexandra Berg Von Linde, Chargé d'affaires of the Netherlands Embassy Thijs Woudstra, Deputy Head of EU Delegation Bernd Spanier, Commercial Attaché at the Spanish Embassy Esther Pérez Tahoces and Trade Advisor to EU Delegation to Bangladesh Abu Syed Belal.
The BGMEA chief sought cooperation from the EU envoy to build capacity of the industry to deal better with due diligence directive and other emerging protocols.
BGMEA President expressed gratitude to the EU, acknowledging its significant role as a long-standing friend and major development partner of Bangladesh.
He also requested the envoys to engage with European buyers to ensure fair pricing and ethical sourcing.
The BGMEA leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership with the EU on shared goals.
The meeting, held at BGMEA Complex, saw participation from leaders of BGMEA.
During the meeting, the BGMEA President provided an overview of Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry, emphasizing recent developments in workplace safety, and workers' well-being.
BGMEA urges Customs House Chattogram to address customs related problems of RMG industry
A delegation from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), headed by President S. M. Mannan (Kochi), held a meeting with Mohammad Fyzur Rahman, Commissioner of Custom House, Chattogram, to discuss crucial concerns regarding customs procedures impacting the readymade garments (RMG) sector.
The meeting, held on May 15, aimed to address the complexities and challenges surrounding customs-related services, including documentation problems and HS Code classifications, which have been affecting the RMG industry's operations.
BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Senior Vice President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President (Finance) Md. Nasir Uddin, Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, and Directors Directors Shovon Islam, Haroon Ar Rashid, Mohammad Sohel Sadat, Md. Ashikur Rahman (Tuhin), Shams Mahmud, Mohiuddin Rubel, Md. Nurul Islam, Mohammed Musa, M. Ahsanul Hoq, Gazi Md. Shahid Ullah, former First Vice Presidents S.M. Abu Tayyab, Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Moinuddin Ahmed Mintu, former Directors M. Mahbub Chowdhury, Anjan Shekhar Das, Saifullah Mansur, and AM Shafiul Karim Khokon were present at the meeting.
President of C&F Association A K M Akther Hossain, owners of garment factories and high officials of Customs House Chattogram were also present at the meeting.
During the discussion, BGMEA President S. M. Mannan (Kochi) emphasized the urgent need for simplifying customs-related procedures and removing hassles in services to facilitate smoother and faster services for the RMG sector.
He highlighted the adverse effects of customs-related challenges on export-import activities, leading to increased production costs and unnecessary delay in business procedures, especially amidst the current global economic slowdown and reduced consumer spending on clothing.
The BGMEA President stressed the importance of reducing lead times to enhance competitiveness in the global fashion market.
The government support and cooperation in ensuring the sustainable growth of the RMG industry is very essential for Bangladesh’s RMG sector to remain competitive in the global market.
He said that money laundering under the the name of export is condemnable. Genuine exporters never indulge in such malpractices, and BGMEA does not morally support such actions. BGMEA believes that those who harm the country's economy should be brought to justice.
At the same time, the BGMEA President called on the Commissioner of Customs House Chattogram to bring exemplary punishment to those who obstruct exports, harass exporters, and damage the country's economy, ensuring they are held accountable under the law.
The delegation urged the customs authorities to promptly address these issues and streamline services for the RMG sector to alleviate operational bottlenecks and enhance efficiency.
In response, the Customs Commissioner acknowledged the significant contributions of the RMG industry to the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh.
He assured the BGMEA delegation of the Customs House's cooperation to addressing their concerns and facilitating a conducive environment for the industry's growth.
RMG exports up by almost 5pc in FY 2023-24
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has released the apparel export statistics for the period of July-April FY-2023-24.
During the mentioned period, the readymade garment (RMG) exports grew by 4.97% year-over-year to US$ 40.49 billion from US$ 38.58 billion during the same period of the fiscal year 2022-23, said BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel.
The export of knitwear was US$ 22.88 billion, growth increased by 9.11% and woven garments were US$ 17.62 billion, growth increased by 0.03%, the business group’s leader said.
The single-month apparel export earnings that indicate export in April 2024 was US$ 3.29 billion which decreased by 1.01% growth compared to April 2023, he added.
RMG Sustainability Council holds meeting to discuss issues affecting industry
A town hall meeting of the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) was held at a BGMEA Complex in Dhaka to exchange views on various issues related to RSC.
Chaired by BGMEA President S.M. Mannan (Kochi), the meeting was attended by BGMEA Senior Vice President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President Arshad Jamal (Dipu), Vice President (Finance) Md. Nasir Uddin, Vice President and RSC Director Miran Ali, Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, Directors Anowar Hossain (Manik), Mesbah Uddin Khan, Md. Mohiuddin Rubel, Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee, Md. Nurul Islam, and Saifuddin Siddiquie Sagar.
BKMEA Executive President Mohammad Hatem, President of the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF) and RSC Co-Chair Amirul Haque Amin, RSC Director Nafis-Ud-Doula and Joachim Jütte-Overmeyer of CSR Fashion were also present at the meeting.Representatives from RSC-enlisted garment factories, alongside high-ranking officials, department heads, and senior case handlers, also took part in the meeting held on April 30.
Central to the discussions was the activities and progress of the RSC, with a focus on implementing remediation measures across factories to uphold workplace safety standards.
Attendees actively exchanged their views and insights, addressing queries about different RSC related issues and reinforcing the RSC’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of safety and compliance withing the ready-made garment industry of Bangladesh.
BGMEA President S. M. Mannan (Kochi) commended RMG entrepreneurs for their substantial investments in enhancing workplace safety, underscoring Bangladesh's emergence as a global benchmark for safe and sustainable practices in the industry.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Bangladesh's RMG sector to sustaining the momentum achieved in safety advancements over the past 11 years.
The RSC, a private initiative of the Bangladesh industry, global brands and global and local Bangladeshi trade unions, serves as a safety monitoring body in the RMG sector in Bangladesh.
All factories have paid March salaries and Eid bonuses: BGMEA President
SM Mannan, the newly elected president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), has expressed profound gratitude toward garment factory owners for successfully disbursing workers' salaries and bonuses in full before the Eid-ul-Fitr festivities.
In a press release, Mannan highlighted the commendable efforts of the factory owners, ensuring that garment workers could enjoy the upcoming Eid celebrations with their loved ones.
The BGMEA president extended his appreciation to various stakeholders, including the government, law enforcement, labour leaders, and the media, for their integral roles in facilitating this smooth financial transition.
Mannan specifically acknowledged the critical surveillance over 450 factories deemed at risk of delayed payments. Direct intervention in 26 critical cases by BGMEA was crucial to achieving this landmark success, he stated.
Mannan proudly announced that, as a result of these concerted efforts, all factories had fulfilled their obligation of paying March salaries and Eid bonuses. A minimal number of factories are finalising their disbursements, expected to conclude by day's end.
The role of the financial sector was also emphasised, with Mannan thanking the Bangladesh Bank and various scheduled banks for operating on government holidays in areas dense with garment factories. This exceptional measure played a pivotal role in ensuring timely and complete payment to workers.
Looking ahead, Mannan urged the government to prioritise safety during the Eid holiday season, specifically calling for measures to prevent overloading of buses, trains, and boats.
BGMEA hosts Training of Trainers to drive circularity in RMG Sector
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) organised a Training of Trainers (ToT) at the BGMEA Complex on March 18-19.
The initiative aimed at driving the industry towards circularity amidst current challenges, witnessed enthusiastic participation from representatives of factories and academia.
Led by experts from Circular Economy, including Apoorva Shankar and Ola Bąkowska, in collaboration with esteemed scholars from the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) and an expert from reverse resources, the session focused on instilling the principles of circularity within the RMG sector.
Attending the opening ceremony of the training session, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan underscored the pivotal role of the training sessions in enhancing the capacity of local industry professionals.
BGMEA chief urges German company to increase high-value garment sourcing from Bangladesh
Their expertise is crucial in driving the transformation towards a circular apparel industry in Bangladesh, he said.
The ToT session was meticulously crafted to equip attendees with actionable insights and practical tools necessary for navigating the paradigm shift towards circular economy practices. This collaborative effort underscores a collective commitment to driving sustainable innovation and resilience within Bangladesh's RMG landscape.
With the guidance from Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Director in Charge of BGMEA Circular Economy Initiatives, this initiative aligns with the objectives of the SWITCH to Circular Economy Value Chains (SWITCH2CE) project, which aims to support micro, small, and medium-sized suppliers in embracing circular economy practices.
BGMEA President urges VF Corporation to source more high-value garments from Bangladesh
The Training of Trainers session signifies a significant milestone in Bangladesh's journey towards circularity, highlighting BGMEA's pivotal role in spearheading sustainable initiatives within the RMG sector, according to a press release.