Owners demand separate ministry for garment and textile sector
Clear directives, long-term policies urgent for survival, they say
Garment industry owners have demanded a separate ministry for the country's garment and textile sector to ensure sustainability in the industry – the highest single source of the country's export revenue income.
During a discussion held in the capital's Kurmitola Golf Club today (8 March), they said the garment sector is currently plagued by multifaceted challenges both locally and globally. Long-term policies need to be adapted to overcome these challenges, for which the establishment of a separate ministry is essential.
At the event, an iftar party was organised by the BGMEA's election-centric alliance, Forum.
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They further said for the country's interest, it is essential to establish clear directives for the garment industry. Failing to do so may jeopardise the survival of the sector.
Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, a panel leader of Forum, highlighted that the garment sector needs policy support for a certain period of time. "A separate ministry is needed for sustainable policies."
He added, "There are always domestic and foreign conspiracies against the sector. It faces unrest at various times attributed to labour agitation. An investigation is necessary to ascertain whether there were any political factors behind this."
In addition, entrepreneurs must be relieved from the harassment posed by customs inspections, he further said.
Pointing out that the government lacks insights regarding business, former BGMEA president Anisur Rahman Sinha said it is their responsibility to convince the government. "The BGMEA as an organisation must play a role in solving any problem [in the sector]."
In addition, the issues encountered in international trade, or export, are not receiving the necessary attention, resulting in the frustration of business owners.
Former BGMEA president Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury said the BGMEA needs skilled leadership to deal with crisis situations, while former president Rubana Huq highlighted the need for a comprehensive policy for the sector.
"Owners will have to increase bargaining power with foreign buyers for fair prices," said Rubana.
Rashid Ahmed Hosaini, secretary general of Forum, said the economy of Bangladesh cannot sustain without this sector.
