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Garment industry owners have called for the creation of a separate ministry to oversee the country’s garment and textile sector, which is the largest contributor to the nation’s export revenue. They believe such a move would help ensure the industry’s sustainability, especially as it faces numerous local and global challenges.
The call was made during a discussion at the Kurmitola Golf Club in the capital on March 8, where an iftar party was hosted by the BGMEA’s election-focused alliance, Forum. Participants emphasized the need for long-term policies to address the sector’s difficulties, arguing that a dedicated ministry would provide the necessary focus and direction.
Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, a panel leader of Forum, stressed the importance of policy support for the garment sector, which faces domestic and international conspiracies, labor unrest, and other disruptions. He called for an investigation into whether political factors were contributing to these issues and urged that entrepreneurs be protected from the harassment caused by customs inspections.
Former BGMEA president Anisur Rahman Sinha pointed out that the government lacks a comprehensive understanding of business needs and stressed that it was the BGMEA’s responsibility to convince the government to take appropriate action. He also noted that problems related to international trade and exports were not receiving enough attention, leading to growing frustration among business owners.
Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury, another former BGMEA president, called for skilled leadership to navigate the sector’s crisis situations. Rubana Huq, also a former BGMEA president, added that the sector needs a cohesive policy, including stronger bargaining power with foreign buyers to secure fair prices.
Rashid Ahmed Hosaini, Secretary General of Forum, emphasized that Bangladesh’s economy cannot thrive without the garment industry, underscoring the sector’s vital role in the nation’s economic future.
