BGMEA explains comment on lack of meeting with CA

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan has clarified his recent statement regarding not being able to secure a meeting with the chief adviser for the past four months.

His clarification came after Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Azad Majumder posted on Facebook that the BGMEA leader had expressed frustration over not getting an appointment, noting that Khan had recently attended a meeting chaired by the chief adviser on preparations for Bangladesh’s LDC graduation and raised industry-related issues there.

Speaking to media by phone on Wednesday, Khan acknowledged attending the LDC-related meeting but said it involved nearly 100 participants, including business representatives and government officials.

“We were seeking an exclusive meeting with the chief adviser specifically for garment and textile sector leaders,” he said.

“The reality is that we have been unable to get time from him for four months.” At a press briefing on Tuesday, Khan had said, “For four months since he assumed office, we have repeatedly requested time to present our concerns to the honourable chief adviser, but we have not received any appointment.”

He added, “It is frustrating … when company executives such as those from Starlink get an audience, but a $40-billion export industry does not. If we are not given time, how can we communicate our issues?”