Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association
BGMEA urges Ctg Customs House to ease procedures for faster release of imported goods
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has urged the authorities to ease the procedures for fast release of imported goods.
He made the request at a meeting with Chittagong Customs House Commissioner M. Fakhrul Alam in Chattogram on Tuesday.
He said the RMG industry of Bangladesh is still struggling to recover from the unprecedented crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The support and cooperation of the Customs House Chittagong would help the apparel industry to recover from the effects of Covid-19 and retain competitiveness in the global market, he added.
Faruque Hassan also said easing of customs procedures would help apparel exporters to take delivery of their imported goods on time, which is necessary to maintain lead time as specified by buyers.
READ: BGMEA pays homage to Bangabandhu on National Mourning Day
Speaking at the meeting BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam said retail sales are growing in Europe and the US following mass vaccination, which has resulted in increasing flow of work orders to Bangladesh.
Support of all stakeholders especially customs house is required to make use of the opportunity, he said.
Chittagong Customs House Commissioner M. Fakhrul Alam said Custom House, Chittagong is carrying out round-the-clock activities to help RMG industry to recover from the impacts of the Covid pandemic and maintain economic growth.
READ: BGMEA extends financial aid for ailing photographer Chanchal Mahmood
BGMEA Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, Directors Tanvir Ahmed, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Haroon Ar Rashid, Navidul Huq, Rajiv Chowdhury, Md. Imranur Rahman, Md. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Mohammed Abdus Salam, Tanvir Habib, A.M. Shafiul Karim (Khokon), Md. Hassan (Jacky), M. Ahsanul Hoq, Mohammed Meraj-E-Mostafa (Kaisar), former First Vice Presidents Nasir Uddin Chowdhury and Moinuddin Ahmed Mintu, former Director and Chairman of BGMEA Standing Committee on Customs (Sea) Anjan Shekhar Das, former Director and Chairman of BGMEA Standing Committee on Customs (Bond) Liakat Ali Chowdhury were present at the meeting.
Apparel exporters worry over rising yarn prices
Apparel exporters have expressed their concerns over the rise in yarn prices in the local market.
They said retail sales grew sharply in the Europe and the US as stores are opening following mass vaccination in the western countries.
As a result a lot of work orders are coming to Bangladesh but unusual increase in yarn prices in the domestic market has made it difficult for the garment manufacturers to take the increased orders, they said.
Leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Bangladesh Terry Towel & Linen Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BTTLMEA) expressed their worries during a meeting held at BGMEA office on Sunday.
Read: BGMEA requests India to expedite trade through Bangaon-Benapole land port
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan chaired the meeting which was attended by BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Directors Asif Ashraf, Md. Mohiuddin Rubel, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Rajiv Chowdhury, former Director Ashikur Rahman Tuhin, First Vice President of BKMEA Mohammad Hatem, Director Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, and BTTLMEA Chairman M Shahadat Hossain.
They said the local mills are increasing yarn prices every day and providing proforma invoice (PI) with a short time limit which makes it difficult to open LC in such a short time.
Moreover, it takes around 15 days to confirm orders. As a result, apparel manufactures could not take many of the offered orders despite having capacity.
Even many factories are taking work orders under breakeven point only to stay in business. Buyers do not increase apparel prices as they only look at FOB.
The problem is impacting the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s RMG industry.
Read: BGMEA urges buyers not to penalise suppliers for lockdown-caused delays
In the meeting the leaders had discussion on ways of addressing the problems being faced by the apparel sector.
It was decided in the meeting that a press conference will be organised soon to share how the yarn price increase is impacting the apparel sector.
They have also decided to hold talks with the government policy makers to ensure yarns at reasonable prices.
BGMEA urges buyers to allow more shipping liners, off-docks
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested global apparel buyers to nominate more shipping liners and off-docks to help suppliers make timely shipments of export containers.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan made the request at a meeting with stakeholders – including the main-line operator (MLO) and buyers' representatives – Thursday to discuss container stockpiling and vessel shortage problem, which has been impacting apparel exports.
Read: BGMEA requests India to expedite trade through Bangaon-Benapole land port
Export containers loaded with RMG products are facing a delay of extra 10-15 days at Chattogram port due to buyers' choice of selective shipping lines and off-docks, Faruque Hassan said.
He requested apparel buyers, including H&M and M&S, to allow more shipping liners and off-docks, as it would reduce pressure on selective shipping lines in shipments of exported goods.
Read: BGMEA urges buyers not to penalise suppliers for lockdown-caused delays
BGMEA Vice-President Miran Ali; directors Asif Ashraf, Md Mohiuddin Rubel, Abdullah Hil Rakib, former director Ashikur Rahman Tuhin, Chairman of Standing Committee on Port and Shipping Hasan Abdullah, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association Director Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, H&M Regional Country Manager for Bangladesh Ziaur Rahman, Marks and Spencer Country Head Shwapna Bhowmick and Maersk Country Manager of Angshuman Mitra Mustafi attended the meeting held at BGMEA office in the capital.
Earlier, the BGMEA in a letter requested global apparel buyers through the Buyers' Forum, a group of the representatives of major apparel buyers, to nominate as many forwarders as possible to deliver shipments on time.
BGMEA requests India to expedite trade through Bangaon-Benapole land port
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested the Indian government to expedite and facilitate Bangladeshi’s export-import trade through Bangaon-Benapole land port.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan wrote a letter to Indian High Commission in Dhaka Vikram Kumar Doraiswami on Wednesday in this regard.
"We earnestly request you to kindly take up the issue with concerned authorities of your country and resolve the problem at your earliest to expedite the bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh, which is extremely important for our RMG sector," the letter reads.
Faruque said Bangladeshi’s apparel exporters are importing substantial volume of raw materials from India and the transit time from India to Bangladesh is critical.
Also read: BGMEA urges buyers not to penalise suppliers for lockdown-caused delays
Recently, he said, they are facing lots of delays in transit of imported goods from India.
"We are hearing from the Forwarders and Clearing agents in Benapole that the scrutiny/security measures and lack of manpower for export of goods at Indian customs point particularly Bangaon are facing long delays and the transit time is getting very long for the trucks to cross the Bangaon-Benapole boarder," he said.
Due to this, Faruque said, many trucks laden import & export goods are stuck at Indian points which is hampering import & export business with India and impacting the transit time of raw materials for RMG factories in Bangladesh.
"We have confidence that you can use your good office to solve this problem at Indian Customs point to expedite the smooth flow of goods from India, and thereby further facilitate the bilateral trade growth," the BGMEA president wrote.
The global trade is facing very tough time due to corona pandemic, the entire supply chain of RMG sector is working on a very tight Time & Action (T&A) Calendar, the BGMEA chief said.
Also read: BGMEA donates high flow nasal cannulas to DNCC Covid-19 Hospital
The export trade of Bangladesh’s ready-made garments is also facing same problem, he said.
Local entrepreneurs have been trying their utmost to turn around from this situation with the help of the government and all the players involved in supply chain operation.
The BGMEA chief said RMG sector of Bangladesh is facing challenge to meet up the lead time given by foreign buyers to export apparels in the middle of pandemic and locked down situation.
"Foreign buyers are insisting on shortest possible lead time and deadline to export the manufactured apparels. Due to shortest possible T&A, Bangladesh manufacture depends on shortest possible production time and transit time from the raw material supplying entities countries," he said.
BGMEA fund gets donation from Epic Group to help Covid affected people
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan on Tuesday said they have initiated a fund to help people affected by the Covid-19 considering the current situation.
"We consider it as our social responsibility. From the fund, BGMEA will donate medical equipment and medicines so that we can help people who need it now," he said.
Epic Group made a donation to the fund launched by the BGMEA to assist people affected by Covid-19.
On behalf of Epic Group its General Manager P.K. Saw handed over a cheque of Tk 5 lakh and one lakh pieces of face masks to BGMEA President Faruque Hassan at the latter’s office on Tuesday.
Also read: BGMEA urges buyers not to penalise suppliers for lockdown-caused delays
Epic Group Chairman Ranjan Mahtani and Managing Directors Sunil Daryanani and Dinesh Virwani virtually joined the donation handover ceremony.
BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali, Director Tanvir Ahmed and former Director Ashikur Rahman Tuhin were also present at the ceremony.
The Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh has recently taken an alarming turn with growing number of infections across the country.
The rapid surge in infections have led to hospitalization of a large number of people.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan thanked Epic Group for contributing to the BGMEA’s fund.
Also read: BGMEA donates high flow nasal cannulas to DNCC Covid-19 Hospital
He requested generous people and organizations to come forward and make financial contribution to the BGMEA’s fund to help the people in need.
“Your donated money will be used to buy medical equipment including nasal cannula and oxygen cylinder and medicines which will be donated to hospitals for treating Covid-19 patients," said the BGMEA President.
Earlier, BGMEA donated Tk 6 crore to the Prime Minister’s fund to help the poor affected by Covid fallout.
BGMEA also donated 15 German-made high flow nasal cannula with BiPAP and 50 thousand masks to Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Dedicated Covid-19 Hospital to meet the needs of patients.
BGMEA donates high flow nasal cannulas to DNCC Covid-19 Hospital
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has donated emergency Covid-19 medical equipment and face masks to Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Dedicated Covid-19 Hospital to meet the health needs of patients and help save lives.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan handed over 15 German-made high flow nasal cannula with BiPAP and 50,000 masks to DNCC Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam at a programme held at the hospital on Tuesday.
BGMEA Vice President Md. Shahidullah Azim, Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Directors Md. Mohiuddin Rubel, Rajiv Chowdhury and Director of DNCC Covid-19 Hospital Brigadier General AKM Nasiruddin were present at the handover ceremony.
READ: BGMEA wants end of RMG goods theft on highways
RMG industry earns global recognition for strides in safety, sustainability: BGMEA
The readymade garment industry of Bangladesh has made significant progress in the areas of sustainability, especially workers wellbeing and industrial relations, says BGMEA chief.
“Starting from the elimination of Child Labour in mid-nineties, and the emerging compliances issues including timely payment of wages, ensuring the minimum wage, overtime, hygiene at workplace, and so on, the industry has responded well on all the issues of compliance and workers’ rights”, said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan.
He made the remarks while addressing a seminar on inclusive business as the chief guest.
Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DBCCI) organized the “Seminar on Wellbeing of RMG Workers through Inclusive Business Initiative” at a city hotel on Saturday evening.
READ: BGMEA wants end of RMG goods theft on highways
The BGMEA President said since the tragic building collapse accident in 2013, a paradigm shift had taken place in the areas of structural, fire and electrical safety at workplace which was supported by the international brands and donors like ILO, in addition to the lead role played by our government.
Moreover, the Labour Law was amended twice in 2013 and in 2018, and Labor Rules was promulgated in 2015 to ensure workers well-being and safety at workplace.
Formation of safety committee in every factory has been made mandatory, workers participation committee has also been made mandatory through elections.
A central fund has been created under the supervision of the government where garment factories are contributing $10 million of their export receipts to be used for the workers’ welfare purposes, he added.
Faruque Hassan said the industry earned global recognitions through these unprecedented strides over the years.
A recent survey report by Hong Kong-based supply chain compliance solutions provider, QIMA, ranked Bangladesh’s garment industry second in “Ethical Manufacturing”.
Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the program as guest of honour while Md. Anwar Shawkat Afser, President, DBCCI made the concluding remark. Shaikh Saif Al Rashid, CEO, Apon Wellbeing Ltd.; Tawhida Shiropa, Founder & CEO, Moner Bondhu; Mamunur Rahman, Founder, Ella Pad; Md. Jalalul Azim, CEO, Pragati Life Insurance Ltd; Syful Alam Mallick, Compliance Manager, South Asia, Auchan took part in the seminar as discussants.
Jamal Uddin, Inclusive Business Advisor, SNV made the keynote presentation at the seminar.
READ: BGMEA wants better cargo handling services from Biman
Bangladesh reinstated Walt Disney sourcing country
The Walt Disney Company, which stopped sourcing from Bangladesh in 2013 amid the fire and building collapse disasters, has considered including the country in its permitted sourcing country list with International Labor Standard (ILS) audits.
The information came from a trusted source and the official notification of Disney is yet to be published, said the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Friday.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan welcomed the timely move of Walt Disney in recognition of the progress and transformation in the industry – particularly in the area of workplace safety, social standards and environmental sustainability.
Also read: AAFA meeting: BGMEA stresses responsible supply chain, ethical sourcing
Factories participating in the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Better Work Bangladesh programme will be entitled to become a vendor. They will also need to participate in the Nirapon or RMG Sustainability Council along with specific remediation fulfilment criteria.
Over the past years, the industry has made unprecedented efforts and investments to ensure safety covering fire, electrical and structural integrity, a robust follow up of factory remediation, to create a culture of safety while promoting the wellbeing of the workers.
The entire safety transformation programme was supported and facilitated by the government, the ILO, international brands, manufacturers and the global unions.
Also read: UNDP & BGMEA pledge to continue collaboration on sustainable growth goals
The Hong Kong-based supply chain compliance solutions provider "QIMA" ranked Bangladesh as the second-highest Ethical Manufacturing country in its recent report "QIMA Q1 2021 Barometer."
The rating included performance against parameters like hygiene, health and safety, child and young labour, labour practices including forced labour, worker representation, disciplinary practices and discrimination, working hours and wages, and waste management.
BGMEA chief wants extension of Industrial Police zones
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has requested the Industrial Police chief to consider extending zones of the specialised unit of the Bangladesh Police to Uttarkhan, Dakshinkhan, Mirpur, Malibagh, Rampura and Badda where some apparel factories are operating.
Additional Inspector General of Industrial Police Shafiqul Islam and Faruque Hassan had a meeting at the BGMEA office Wednesday on the law and order situation in the RMG industry during the Covid-19 period and ahead of Eid-ul Azha.
Faruque thanked the Industrial Police for providing its support and cooperation to the readymade garment (RMG) industry by assuring security and a peaceful atmosphere in the sector through maintaining law and order.
The BGMEA chief also praised the role of the Industrial Police in maintaining harmonious industrial relations between factory owners and workers.
Shafiqul Islam said the Industrial Police has been working round the clock to maintain peace and ensure security in the industrial areas.
He also assured that the Industrial Police would extend all-out support and cooperation to the RMG industry.
BGMEA Senior Vice-President SM Mannan (Kochi), Vice-President Md Shahidullah Azim, Vice-President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam and Vice-President Md Nasir Uddin and directors were also present at the meeting.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Industrial Police Md Mahbubur Rahman, Additional DIG AKM Awlad Hossain, Superintendent of Police (Operations and Intelligence) Shoaib Ahmed, SPs of Industrial Police-1, Ashulia Zone, Industrial Police Zone-2, Gazipur, Industrial Police Zone-4 and Narayanganj also joined the meeting.
RMG factories to remain open amid 'all-out' lockdown: BGMEA president
Apparel factories would remain out of the purview of the "all-out lockdown" that will begin on July 1.
The decision was made at a high-level meeting on Saturday, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan said.
Also read: Nationwide lockdown from Monday, 'all out lockdown’ from July 1
Banks, ports and customs houses associated with the industries would remain open during the lockdown, said the BGMEA chief.
He requested all concerned parties to respect the government's decision, which is an attempt to bring positivity rates and fatalities down to get a second coronavirus wave under control.
Also read: Export oriented factories to remain open amid ‘strict lockdown’
"It is expected of all its members and concerned parties to operate while strictly following all the health safety guidelines as stated by the BGMEA," said the BGMEA president.