A delegation of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), led by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, met with the Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman on 22 July, 2026.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the current challenges facing Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry-the country’s principal export-earning sector—and sought policy support to address the prevailing challenges, unlock future growth opportunities, achieve export targets, and ensure the sustainable growth of the country’s export trade.
The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat. It was attended by Hon’ble Minister for Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Mr. Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Hon’ble Finance Adviser Mr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, and Hon’ble Adviser Mr. Mahdi Amin.
The discussions focused on product diversification, expansion of the export sector, and strengthening Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.
The BGMEA leaders drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the need for comprehensive tariff, taxation, financial, and export-supportive policies to help Bangladesh remain competitive with other exporting countries. They also requested policy support to enhance the overall competitiveness of the RMG sector.
To ensure the sustainable growth and long-term resilience of Bangladesh’s RMG industry, BGMEA placed the following proposals before the Hon’ble Prime Minister:
- Uninterrupted Electricity and Gas Supply: BGMEA urged the government to prioritize uninterrupted gas and electricity supply to ensure continuous factory operations and timely shipment of export orders. The delegation highlighted the adverse impact of the recent energy crisis on production and the increased operational costs resulting from alternative energy arrangements. BGMEA also strongly proposed establishing a dedicated mechanism under the Prime Minister’s Office to expedite government services related to customs, banking, gas, electricity, and other essential services for export-oriented industries.
- Simplification of Customs Bond Audits: BGMEA proposed introducing a permanent policy under which annual customs bond audits would be conducted by leading professional audit firms to reduce the complexities arising from frequent audits by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Bond Authority.
- Construction of a Temporary Cargo Shed at the Airport: In view of the limited cargo handling capacity at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the resulting increase in lead time, BGMEA requested the urgent construction of a temporary cargo shed.
- Land Allocation for a Workers’ Hospital in Gazipur: BGMEA sought the allocation of suitable government land in Gazipur to establish a modern specialized hospital for garment workers, ensuring affordable and quality healthcare for the millions of workers employed in the country’s largest RMG industrial hub.
- Simplification of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC): BGMEA proposed simplifying compliance with the Bangladesh National Building Code to facilitate factory expansion.
- Logistics Facilitation at Benapole Land Port: BGMEA requested measures to facilitate yarn imports through Benapole Land Port and sought approval to establish a joint service center/desk involving BGMEA, BKMEA, and BTMA at the port to prevent misdeclaration and promote garment exports to India.
- Invitation to Inaugurate BATEXPO 2026: On behalf of the BGMEA Board of Directors, the delegation invited the Hon’ble Prime Minister to attend the inaugural ceremony of BATEXPO 2026, scheduled to be held in November 2026, as the Chief Guest. The Hon’ble Prime Minister graciously accepted the invitation.
The meeting also discussed Bangladesh’s progress in achieving 100% textile waste recycling (circularity) in line with the European Union’s sustainability policies. BGMEA leaders highlighted the Association’s ongoing landmark initiatives in textile waste recycling. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan reaffirmed that BGMEA remains committed to strengthening the global position of Bangladesh’s apparel industry by promoting sustainability and complying with the EU’s environmental standards.
Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman highly appreciated the contribution of the RMG industry to industrialization, employment generation, and export earnings. He listened attentively to the issues raised by the BGMEA delegation and assured continued government support to safeguard the country’s largest export sector, ensure the sustainability of operational factories, facilitate policy support, and help reopen closed factories.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister also announced the formation of a high-level committee to review and address the issues raised by BGMEA. The committee will comprise Hon’ble Minister for Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Mr. Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Hon’ble Finance Adviser Mr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, and BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan.
Other members of the BGMEA delegation included First Vice President Salim Rahman, Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan (Bablu), Vice President Md. Rezwan Selim, Vice President (Finance) Mijanur Rahman, Vice President Vidiya Amrit Khan, Vice President Md. Shehab Udduza Chowdhury, and BGMEA Directors.
At the conclusion of the meeting, BGMEA expressed its sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for his timely guidance, unwavering support, and strong commitment to the sustainable development of Bangladesh’s industrial sector and national economy.
