As the election of the board of director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association is approaching, Md Abul Kalam panel leader of Sammilita Parishad, a contesting panel of BGMEA election for 2025-27 tenure, said his vision for a future-fit RMG sector, highlighting policy reforms, market diversification, labor rights, and sustainable transformation.
In an interview with New Age, Md Abul Kalam, also the managing director of Chaity Group, said that the members will vote for his panel because they represent a leadership that combines experience, courage, and a forward-looking mindset.
‘We have worked alongside our entrepreneurs, understood their challenges, and built strong networks with global partners,’ he added.
The proven track record of the panel and realistic roadmap reflect the true aspirations of the industry, he added.
He also said that, if elected, his first priority would be to implement the 12-point action plan, which includes setting up an SME Support Cell, launching one-stop export support platform, strengthening trade facilitation.
‘We would also focus on energy security, green financing and building future-ready human resources,’ he added.
He also said that they would activate a dedicated Market Expansion Desk to explore opportunities in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America and would sign MoUs with regional chambers, participate in B2B missions, sourcing fairs, and expos.
‘We will engage in proactive diplomacy through what I call ‘Apparel Diplomacy.’ We’ll coordinate with the Ministry of Commerce, foreign missions, and development partners to advocate for fair trade,’ he added.
At the same time, they would work with local stakeholders to enhance compliance, transparency, and ethical sourcing to build confidence among buyers and regulators.
‘Our post-LDC strategy includes smart fiscal incentives, a unified export roadmap, and buyer co-creation models,’ he added saying that they would also advocate for GSP+ and other market access schemes while ensuring wage stability and job security.
He also said that to modernize the customs, VAT and bonds, they would form a joint BGMEA–NBR–Customs Taskforce.
‘On energy, we will advocate for uninterrupted gas and electricity during production cycles and seek green incentives for adopting renewable and efficient energy solutions,’ he added.
He also said that they would introduce structured training in AI, IoT, ESG, and ERP through a dedicated Industry 4.0 Training Programme.
Moreover, workers’ voices must be heard, and their rights will be respected through social dialogue platforms.
Regarding fair prices, he said that they will engage with global buyers to establish a unified code of conduct that includes fair pricing mechanisms.
‘We will establish a Green Funding Desk to ease access to affordable loans for sustainability investments. Our roadmap includes factory-level decarbonization plans, rooftop solar models, and waste reduction strategies,’ he added.
He also said that the sector needs inclusive, visionary, and competent leadership to move forward.
‘I urge members to unite for a smart transformation of our RMG sector,’ he added.
