BKMEA seeks stronger policy coordination for garment sector

Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) today urged the government to form a high-level committee to coordinate policymaking for the garment industry.

BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem submitted the proposal to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to a statement issued by the association.

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The proposed committee would help improve the competitiveness of the country’s garment industry and ensure necessary policy support.

It would include the ministers of finance, commerce and industries, officials from the National Board of Revenue, and representatives of BKMEA, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and other relevant organisations.

The committee would meet monthly or quarterly to review emerging problems in the industry, policy issues and necessary measures, and take appropriate decisions.

Alongside ensuring industrial safety and workers’ rights, BKMEA proposed developing and introducing a practical and acceptable Fair Code that takes into account the country’s existing infrastructure, industrial capacity and socioeconomic conditions.

At present, Fair Codes based on practices followed in different countries are being adopted. However, many provisions are not compatible with Bangladesh’s realities and capabilities, making them difficult to implement.

To protect industrial establishments and ensure the continuity of new investment, BKMEA proposed preparing a long-term and integrated master plan for the supply of gas, electricity and other forms of energy.

The plan should consider not only the needs of existing industries but also potential future investment, expansion of industrial capacity and national export targets.

The association also proposed formulating and implementing policies for the garment and textile sectors through extensive consultations with stakeholders, while considering changing global conditions and Bangladesh’s realities.

New policies should be based on the actual situation of the industry, the participation of all stakeholders and the country’s capacity to implement them.

Where necessary, a reasonable transition period should be provided to allow industries enough time to comply with new policies.

BKMEA also recommended digitalising the road transport system to improve efficiency in business and commerce, reduce time and costs, and ensure effective revenue collection.

It proposed introducing digital systems for national highways, roads, bridges, culverts, value-added tax and toll collection. The association urged the government to take the necessary steps to digitalise the road transport sector.

Considering the country’s economic situation, industrial realities and capabilities, as well as the need to ensure fire and building safety, BKMEA proposed initiatives to amend and effectively implement the Bangladesh National Building Code.