Iran-Israel war creating challenges for RMG sector: BGMEA president
He expressed concern over the potential loss of competitiveness in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector due to the ongoing tensions
Newly elected Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu has said the ongoing Iran-Israel war is creating new challenges for businesses and will also impact the ready-made garment sector.
He made the remarks at the takeover-handover ceremony of the BGMEA Board 2025-27, held today (16 June) at the Noorul Quader Auditorium of the BGMEA complex. The event was attended by the newly elected BGMEA office bearers and former leaders of the association.
"The Iran-Israel war brought us new challenges. If oil prices go up, there will be a spillover effect and the RMG sector will not be immune from the danger," Babu said.
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He also raised concern over losing competitiveness due to the war and added, "We are going to take charge at a time when our RMG sector is going through critical challenges posed in the national and international circuit. We have to do lots of work to maintain competitiveness in the RMG sector."
Babu also pointed out multiple factors affecting the industry, including the US reciprocal tariff, cancellation of transhipment by India, high bank interest rates, inflation, weak infrastructure, wage increases, and energy prices.
"We are working on the US tariff so that the tariff remains tolerable. LDC graduation will pose a new challenge for the RMG sector. With the graduation, we will lose tax benefits, and to overcome the challenge, we will talk with the stakeholders," he added.
He also spoke about the need to create a separate ministry for the RMG sector, in line with the electoral pledge.
The new office bearers of the 2025-27 BGMEA board include Salim Rahman as first vice president, Inamul Haq Khan as senior vice president, Mijanur Rahman as vice president for finance, and Md Rezwan Selim, Vidiya Amrit Khan, Md Sehab Udduza Chowdhury, and Mohammad Rafique Chowdhury as vice presidents.
The board of directors from Dhaka are Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Mohammed Abdur Rahim, Faisal Samad, Md Hasib Uddin, Mohammed Abdus Salam, Nafis-Ud-Doula, Sumaiya Islam, Fahima Akhter, Majumdar Arifur Rahman, Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Sheikh Hossain Muhammad Mustafiz, Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Joarder Mohammed Hosne Quamar Alam, ABM Shamsuddin, Asef Kamal Pasha, Rashid Ahamed Hossaini, Faruque Hassan, Rumana Rashid, Mohammed Sohel, and Samiha Azim.
The directors from Chattogram are Md M Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Syed Mohammed Tanvir, Sakeef Ahmed Salam, Md Shaif Ullah Mansur, Enamul Aziz Chowdhury, SM Abu Tayyab, and Rakibul Alam Chowdhury.
