Play store
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to remove obstacles hampering the growth of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry, reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s largest export sector.
The directive came during a meeting with a delegation of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, where industry leaders outlined the key challenges confronting the sector and sought urgent government intervention.
According to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shipul, the BGMEA delegation, led by its President Mahmud Hasan Khan, discussed a range of issues affecting the competitiveness of the garment industry, including the need for an uninterrupted supply of electricity and natural gas.
The business leaders also submitted several short-term and long-term proposals aimed at addressing infrastructure constraints, improving the business environment and sustaining export growth.
Listening to the concerns, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed the relevant ministries and government agencies to take prompt action to resolve the problems.
“The government has already begun working to resolve your problems. These are long-standing and accumulated challenges, so they will take some time to address. However, we will take immediate steps to resolve those issues that can be solved right away,” the Prime Minister told the BGMEA leaders.
He emphasised that the apparel industry remains a key driver of Bangladesh’s economy and assured business leaders that the government would continue to provide all necessary policy support for its sustainable development.
Seeking the cooperation of the private sector in building a stronger economy, Tarique Rahman said improving infrastructure for the garment industry would accelerate economic growth and create greater employment opportunities.
“If infrastructure is improved to support the development of the garment industry, the wheels of the economy will move faster and the country will advance on the path to prosperity. That is why our government is working to ensure the sustainable development of this sector,” he said.
The Prime Minister also referred to the recently announced national budget, describing it as a business-friendly fiscal plan designed to encourage investment, industrial expansion and economic prosperity.
According to Hasan Shipul, the Prime Minister reiterated that his administration was committed to resolving the problems faced by businesses as part of its broader agenda for economic development.
“The government will do whatever is necessary to support the growth of this industry. This government came to power to solve the problems of the people, including the challenges faced by businesses. We are working toward that goal,” he quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry is the country’s largest export-earning sector, employing millions of workers and contributing the bulk of the nation’s export receipts. Industry leaders have repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring reliable energy supplies, modern infrastructure and a stable policy environment to maintain Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global apparel market.
At the conclusion of the meeting, BGMEA leaders presented a commemorative crest to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in appreciation of the government’s continued engagement with the industry.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muqtadir, Prime Minister’s advisers Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and Mahdi Amin, and BNP National Executive Committee Special Secretary Belayet Hossain Mridha also attended the meeting.
