A delegation from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), headed by President S. M. Mannan (Kochi), held a meeting with Mohammad Fyzur Rahman, Commissioner of Custom House, Chattogram, to discuss crucial concerns regarding customs procedures impacting the readymade garments (RMG) sector.
The meeting, held on May 15, aimed to address the complexities and challenges surrounding customs-related services, including documentation problems and HS Code classifications, which have been affecting the RMG industry's operations.
BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Senior Vice President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President (Finance) Md. Nasir Uddin, Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, and Directors Directors Shovon Islam, Haroon Ar Rashid, Mohammad Sohel Sadat, Md. Ashikur Rahman (Tuhin), Shams Mahmud, Mohiuddin Rubel, Md. Nurul Islam, Mohammed Musa, M. Ahsanul Hoq, Gazi Md. Shahid Ullah, former First Vice Presidents S.M. Abu Tayyab, Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Moinuddin Ahmed Mintu, former Directors M. Mahbub Chowdhury, Anjan Shekhar Das, Saifullah Mansur, and AM Shafiul Karim Khokon were present at the meeting.
President of C&F Association A K M Akther Hossain, owners of garment factories and high officials of Customs House Chattogram were also present at the meeting.
During the discussion, BGMEA President S. M. Mannan (Kochi) emphasized the urgent need for simplifying customs-related procedures and removing hassles in services to facilitate smoother and faster services for the RMG sector.
He highlighted the adverse effects of customs-related challenges on export-import activities, leading to increased production costs and unnecessary delay in business procedures, especially amidst the current global economic slowdown and reduced consumer spending on clothing.
The BGMEA President stressed the importance of reducing lead times to enhance competitiveness in the global fashion market.
The government support and cooperation in ensuring the sustainable growth of the RMG industry is very essential for Bangladesh’s RMG sector to remain competitive in the global market.
He said that money laundering under the the name of export is condemnable. Genuine exporters never indulge in such malpractices, and BGMEA does not morally support such actions. BGMEA believes that those who harm the country's economy should be brought to justice.
At the same time, the BGMEA President called on the Commissioner of Customs House Chattogram to bring exemplary punishment to those who obstruct exports, harass exporters, and damage the country's economy, ensuring they are held accountable under the law.
The delegation urged the customs authorities to promptly address these issues and streamline services for the RMG sector to alleviate operational bottlenecks and enhance efficiency.
In response, the Customs Commissioner acknowledged the significant contributions of the RMG industry to the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh.
He assured the BGMEA delegation of the Customs House's cooperation to addressing their concerns and facilitating a conducive environment for the industry's growth.