PKA unveils 15-point manifesto ahead of BKMEA election

Business Desk :

Progressive Knit Alliance (PKA), the sole panel contesting the upcoming BKMEA election on May 10, announced a 15-point manifesto on Wednesday, pledging to prioritise reforms in customs, bond facilities, and raw material imports to boost sectoral efficiency.

Addressing a gathering at a city hotel on Wednesday, PKA panel leader Mohammad Hatem, also the current President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), outlined key commitments, including tackling the ongoing energy crisis, diversifying export markets, and resolving the recent restrictions on yarn imports through land ports, reports BSS.

A total of 38 candidates are vying the polls for 2025-27, with 35 from PKA and three running independently.

Mohammad Hatem also expressed his optimism about reform initiatives stating that the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has shown a positive attitude towards easing regulatory obstacles.

“He (NBR Chairman) is willing to listen to the problems of businesses. We are hopeful that changes will follow,” Hatem said.

Hatem said exporters, particularly in the knitwear sector, are now facing significant challenges due to the advance income tax (AIT) system, which lacks proper adjustment mechanisms.
“Although the official corporate tax rate for our sector is 12 percent, in reality, the burden is much higher due to various complications,” he added.