The garment exporters have demanded that the country's ports must remain open 24 hours a day to ensure smooth import and export activities of the garment exporters. Otherwise, they have warned they will not be able to take responsibility of paying salary and bonuses to workers.
Kazi Moniruzzaman, President of the garment owners' election platform Sammilito Parishad and former president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), made this demand.
He voiced the demand while announcing the election manifesto of the Sammilito Parishad for the 2025-27 elections of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at a hotel in the capital on Wednesday.
Moniruzzaman said, "The industry is facing various internal problems. We are in great distress. We see headlines on TV that some owners are selling their cars or houses to pay salaries of their workers. This is a matter of great sadness and shame. For this, a safe exit policy has been talked about. We want to do that.'
The business leader claims that import and export are being disrupted due to problems at the port. Goods from China arrive at Chittagong port in 14 days. But it takes 18 days to reach Dhaka.
He said, 'Our demand to the government from today's event is that you have many issues, reforms, you do it. But not by burying us, not by destroying the industry.'
Meanwhile, Sammilito Parishad, the election platform of garment owners, has announced a manifesto for the BGMEA elections. At the time, they released a 12-point action plan.
Sammilito Parishad panel leader Md Abul Kalam announced the manifesto at a hotel in the capital on Wednesday.
Abul Kalam said, "We have crossed a chapter in the garment industry, the next journey is towards a US$100 billion industry. Therefore, more caution is needed in this journey.
Currently, we are facing issues such as increasing production costs, gas-electricity crisis, sustainability, human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD), CSDDD, traceability and changes in global business policies in one hand.
On the other hand, if we can successfully face these challenges, we are on the verge of reaching the unique heights. For such times, we need a leadership composed of experience, youth and courage.
They must be able to work with workers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and international partners with equal skills. We have presented a timely panel combining all those skills to serve you."
He presented a 12-point action plan that Sammilito Parishad has released. It is a roadmap that is realistic, timely and formed with the participation of members.
Abul Kalam's 12 point plan includes: SME Support Cell and Policy Support, Power-Fuel Security and Alternative Incentives, Ready-Made Garment Sector Workforce for Industry, Financing Facilitation, Market and Product Diversification, Alternative Incentive Policy, Trade Assistance and NBR Reforms, Export Assistance One-Stop Support Cell, Social Compliance Development Program, Green Transformation of Eco-Friendly Industrialization, Made in Bangladesh-Premium Edition and Apparel Diplomacy and Responsible Exit Policy.
