Why do BGMEA leaders still want to meet CA personally after their concerns addressed? Press secy asks

Despite most of their key demands being addressed and the ready-made garment sector continuing to enjoy top priority under the current administration, leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) are still seeking a personal meeting with the chief adviser – a move that has raised questions about their underlying motives, according to Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

In a Facebook post today (29 October), he wrote, "We understand the disappointment expressed by the new BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan over not yet receiving an appointment with the Chief Adviser since assuming leadership of the country's influential trade body."

Shafiqul noted that Mahmud did meet the chief adviser during a high-level meeting on LDC graduation, where he had the opportunity to discuss at length issues concerning the ready-made garment (RMG) export sector.

Since the interim government took office about 15 months ago, Shafiqul said garment exports and the growth and stability of the RMG sector have remained at the center of policy priorities. 

"When massive protests erupted across factories late last year, the government acted swiftly to ensure peace and stability."

"A landmark 18-point tripartite agreement was reached among factory owners, unions, and the government — paving the way for lasting industrial harmony. While a few isolated protests persisted, they were largely confined to factories owned by pro-BAL manufacturers who had fled abroad after draining banks of funds. Even then, the authorities managed to restore order and ensure workers' welfare," reads his Facebook post.

He mentioned that over the past 15 months, the Interim Government has implemented a series of reforms that significantly enhanced the prospects of Bangladesh's garment exports to developed markets. "A reciprocal tariff agreement signed with the United States has made Bangladeshi exports more competitive in the world's largest consumer market."

The press secretary added that three ILO conventions were ratified — hailed as milestones by foreign investors, UN agencies, diplomats, and labor unions alike — effectively preventing a long-standing case against Bangladesh in Geneva. 

"A sweeping new labour act was also approved, further bolstering the country's investment climate and paving the way for greater foreign direct investment in the RMG sector.

"Given these developments, one might ask: why do BGMEA leaders still feel the need to meet the chief adviser personally? Their core concerns have been addressed. The RMG sector continues to receive top priority, with substantial reforms underway to attract foreign investment and retain buyers' confidence," he wrote,

Relevant ministries and advisers are actively engaged, Shafiqul said, adding, the commerce adviser has held multiple rounds of meetings with garment manufacturers and industrialists, as have the Labour, Energy, and Finance Advisers, along with the BIDA Executive Chairman and ministry secretaries.

"We must also recall what transpired when previous BGMEA leaders and garment entrepreneurs aligned themselves with Sheikh Hasina's regime.

"Even as her government unleashed brutal violence on the streets, killing countless young people, many business leaders — including prominent figures from the garment industry — continued to sing her praises in exchange for favours. They gambled on her survival, expecting to share in the spoils once she regained control — often in the form of massive loans that were never repaid," he added.

He further said Bangladesh owes much of its economic rise to the dynamism and resilience of its garment entrepreneurs. "Their hard work, innovation, and risk-taking have driven the nation's prosperity. 

"Yet, it is also important to acknowledge how some among them used their influence to secure personal gain — amassing wealth and power while legitimising the widespread human rights abuses of the Hasina regime," said Shafiqul.