BGMEA urges policy support to sustain RMG competitiveness amid global crises

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Wednesday urged the government to provide policy support to sustain RMG competitiveness amid global crises.

They made the call while BGMEA team led by President Mahmud Hassan Khan, met with Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Secretariat in the city, reports BSS.

In his speech, Khandker Abdul Muktadir acknowledged the vital role of the RMG sector as the country’s primary foreign exchange earner.

He listened to the challenges presented and assured the delegation that the government would provide all necessary policy support to resolve the current crisis and help Bangladesh maintain its strong position in the global market.

During the meeting, BGMEA President Mahmud Hassan Khan pointed out that production is being severely hampered by global economic instability, the fallout from the Middle East war, and a persistent domestic energy crisis involving gas and electricity shortages.

These factors, coupled with rising raw material prices and increasing production costs, have made it difficult for Bangladeshi exporters to compete internationally, he added.

The BGMEA President expressed a firm stance on the RSC’s scope, emphasizing that it was established specifically to oversee building, fire, and electrical safety (OSH).

He argued that expanding its mandate to include “non-OSH” social compliance issues-such as wages, leave, or trade union matters-would create unnecessary administrative and financial burdens on the industry.

He stressed that any such decisions must align with local laws and involves consultations with factory owners.

The BGMEA delegation also included Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoja Chowdhury and Director Md. Hasib Uddin.