Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed the authorities concerned to remove the obstacles hindering the growth of Bangladesh’s garment industry as quickly as possible, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting 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 Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.
The delegation was led by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan.
During the meeting, BGMEA leaders outlined the major challenges facing the readymade garment (RMG) sector, particularly the need to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity and natural gas. They also submitted a number of short- and long-term proposals aimed at improving the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability.
According to the Deputy Press Secretary, the Prime Minister listened carefully to the industry’s concerns and instructed the relevant ministries and divisions to take the necessary measures to resolve the problems without delay.
“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,” Tarique Rahman told the business leaders.
Seeking the cooperation of BGMEA in building a prosperous Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said improving infrastructure to support the garment industry would accelerate economic growth and strengthen the country’s path toward prosperity.
“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 noted that the government had presented a business-friendly national budget designed to encourage investment, industrial expansion and economic growth.
Hasan Shiplu said the Prime Minister assured BGMEA leaders that the government would take all necessary steps to facilitate the industry’s continued development.
“This government came to power to solve the problems of the people, including the challenges faced by businesses. We are working toward that goal,” the Prime Minister said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, BGMEA leaders presented a commemorative crest to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Among those present were Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Prime Minister’s advisers Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and Mahdi Amin, and Belayet Hossain Mridha, Special Secretary of the BNP National Executive Committee.
