Internet shutdown BGMEA has made a special request to the international buyers to be sympathetic to the factories in the ongoing situation in Bangladesh and not to create any additional pressure on the affected factories due to unexpected delays.
BGMEA made this request to international buyers in a meeting on Monday. The meeting was held at 3 pm at BGMEA building in Uttara with representatives of the world’s leading apparel buyers located in Bangladesh. The meeting was organized to inform the international garment buyers about the recent situation in the country and its impact on the garment sector and the steps taken by the government to overcome this situation. In the meeting, international buyers of ready-made garments expressed concern about the recent internet shutdown in Bangladesh. At the same time, they demanded uninterrupted internet connection and steps should be taken to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. BGMEA informed this information in a press release.
At the end of the meeting, BGMEA President SM Mannan (Kochi) said, in the meeting we highlighted the undesirable situation that started on July 18 and the steps taken by the government to control it. BGMEA’s measures have been communicated to the buyers to keep the normal operations of the industry going and the supply chain uninterrupted.
He said, “During the five-day shutdown, we have lost several productions and exports, our marketing has suffered, which has affected the factories financially and in the supply chain.” A situation like this is a big blow to our industry when we are trying to survive.
He said, I have called upon the buyers to be sympathetic to the factories in the ongoing situation. I have made a special request to the buyers not to create any additional pressure on the affected factories due to unexpected delays. We have also reiterated our utmost support to the government to minimize the impact of this undesirable situation.
The BGMEA president said, “We have held regular discussions with the Minister of Information and Communication Technology regarding the speedy launch of Internet services, so that even if it is on a limited scale, Internet is launched soon. At our request and in the interest of the country’s export trade, the government quickly resumed internet services.
‘However, in this unprecedented situation in the age of information technology, everyone including garment factories and buyers suffered. When our factories were busy negotiating winter orders, such an anarchic incident hit the country’s economy.’ said BGMEA President.
He said, also, in the current situation, we have presented to them the issues of our activities in order to normalize the business environment, bring back speed to the industry and ensure that there is no slowness or entanglement in the port operations. We met the Minister of State for Shipping yesterday. We have demanded that the port services be speeded up and that the importers and exporters should not suffer any loss at the port due to undue delay. He gave in-principle consent to our request.
“Furthermore, we have assured them that we are monitoring the overall situation with ports, Central Bank, NBR and taking all necessary steps for speedy recovery of the industry.” He added.
SM Mannan Kochi said, “We have been actively working with the government since day one to bring stability to the garment industry.” We met the Prime Minister and the Home Minister and requested to start the factories at the earliest and ensure overall safety of the industries including the Dhaka-Chittagong highway. Since the law and order situation has improved due to the sincere and prompt action of the government, we have been able to reopen the factories within a very short period of time. For this we are sincerely grateful to the Prime Minister and his government.
BGMEA: The Backbone of Bangladesh’s Economy [Internet shutdown]
BGMEA stands for Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association. It’s a nationwide trade organization representing the readymade garment industry in Bangladesh.
Essentially, BGMEA is the voice of the garment industry in the country. It plays a crucial role in
- Promoting the apparel industry
- Facilitating business operations for its members
- Advocating for industry-friendly policies with the government
- Ensuring workers’ rights and social compliance in factories
Fun fact: Bangladesh is one of the world’s largest garment exporters, and BGMEA is instrumental in maintaining and growing this position.
Would you like to know more about the garment industry in Bangladesh or the role of BGMEA in specific areas? Internet shutdown
Understanding BGMEA: A Deeper Dive
BGMEA: The Heartbeat of Bangladesh’s Garment Industry
As we’ve established, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector. Let’s delve deeper into its role and significance:
Key Functions of BGMEA:
- Industry Representation: BGMEA is the unified voice of the garment industry, advocating for its interests at both national and international levels.
- Policy Advocacy: It actively engages with the government to shape policies that support industry growth, competitiveness, and sustainability.
- Member Services: BGMEA offers a wide range of services to its members, including market information, training, and support in areas like finance, technology, and compliance. Internet shutdown
- Social Compliance: The association is committed to ensuring workers’ rights and promoting ethical practices within the industry.
- Sustainability: BGMEA is at the forefront of driving sustainability initiatives, including environmental protection and resource efficiency.
- Export Promotion: It actively participates in international trade fairs and events to promote Bangladesh’s garment exports.
Challenges and Achievements
Despite its immense contributions, BGMEA has faced numerous challenges, including:
- Worker Safety: The industry has faced scrutiny over workplace safety, which BGMEA has addressed through initiatives like factory inspections and safety training.
- Sustainability: Balancing environmental concerns with production demands is a constant challenge. BGMEA has made strides in promoting sustainable practices.
- Global Competition: The garment industry is highly competitive. BGMEA works to enhance the industry’s competitiveness through innovation and skill development.
However, BGMEA’s achievements are equally impressive:
- Economic Growth: The garment industry, under BGMEA’s guidance, has been a major driver of Bangladesh’s economic growth and poverty reduction.
- Employment Generation: The industry provides employment to millions, primarily women, contributing to social empowerment.
- Global Recognition: Bangladesh’s garment sector has gained international recognition for its quality and competitiveness. Internet shutdown
BGMEA’s Impact on Bangladesh
BGMEA’s role extends far beyond the industry itself. Its contributions have a ripple effect on the entire Bangladeshi economy:
- Foreign Exchange Earnings: The garment sector is the top foreign exchange earner for Bangladesh, contributing significantly to the country’s balance of payments.
- Infrastructure Development: The industry’s growth has led to investments in infrastructure, such as ports, roads, and utilities, benefiting the nation as a whole.
- Social Development: By providing employment opportunities, BGMEA has helped uplift countless lives and reduce poverty. Internet shutdown
Would you like to know more about specific initiatives undertaken by BGMEA or its impact on a particular aspect of the garment industry?
How BGMEA Works: A Breakdown
BGMEA operates through a structured system involving various departments, committees, and stakeholders to effectively represent and serve the garment industry in Bangladesh.
Key Functions and Processes:
- Representation:
- Unifying Voice: BGMEA acts as the single voice of the garment industry, representing the interests of thousands of garment manufacturers and exporters.
- Industry Advocacy: It actively engages with government officials, policymakers, and international bodies to advocate for industry-friendly policies. Internet shutdown
- Member Services:
- Support and Assistance: BGMEA provides a wide range of services to its members, including market information, training, finance, technology, and compliance support.
- Networking: It facilitates networking opportunities among members to foster business collaborations and partnerships.
3. Policy Advocacy:
- Policy Formulation: BGMEA works closely with the government to shape policies that support the growth and sustainability of the garment industry.
- Regulatory Compliance: It ensures that industry members adhere to national and international regulations and standards. Internet shutdown
4. Social Compliance and Sustainability:
- Worker Welfare: BGMEA is committed to improving working conditions and ensuring the rights of garment workers Internet shutdown
- Environmental Responsibility: It promotes sustainable practices within the industry to minimize environmental impact
5. Export Promotion:
- Market Development: BGMEA actively participates in international trade fairs and events to promote Bangladesh’s garment exports.
- Buyer Relations: It maintains strong relationships with global buyers to secure orders and expand market access. Internet shutdown
Organizational Structure:
BGMEA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its members. The Board oversees the day-to-day operations of the association through various committees and departments. Internet shutdown
Key Stakeholders:
- Government: BGMEA collaborates with the government on policy matters, trade agreements, and infrastructure development.
- Garment Manufacturers and Exporters: BGMEA’s primary stakeholders are the thousands of garment factories and exporting houses it represents.
- Workers: BGMEA is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of garment workers Internet shutdown
- Buyers and Retailers: BGMEA maintains strong relationships with global buyers and retailers to ensure market access and demand for Bangladeshi garments. Internet shutdown
- Development Partners: BGMEA works with international organizations and development partners to support the industry’s growth and sustainability. Internet shutdown
In essence, BGMEA serves as a catalyst for the growth and development of Bangladesh’s garment industry by providing a platform for collaboration, advocacy, and support to its members. Internet shutdown
Would you like to know more about a specific aspect of BGMEA’s work, such as its role in promoting sustainability or its efforts to improve worker safety?
