BGMEA
Joint body formed to work on unified code of conduct for RMG sector
Multiple audits are not only waste of time and money, but also create audit fatigue making compliance difficult for enterprises, according to BGMEA, the apex body of the apparel industry.
This has led to growing calls for converging the protocols to audit garment factories in the industry, it said.
Against such a backdrop, a committee has been formed jointly by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) for working on a unified code of conduct for RMG industry.
Read: Bangladesh’s next development phase to depend hugely on industrialisation: BGMEA
The leaders of BGMEA and BKMEA held a meeting on Sunday where they had discussions on the issue of unified code of conduct and formed the committee.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan presided over the meeting which was also attended by BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President Miran Ali, Director Asif Ashraf, BKMEA Executive President Mohammad Hatem, Vice President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Vice President Md. Akhter Hossain Apurbo, and Director Imran Kader Turjo.
The 11-member committee headed by BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali will carry out thorough assessment of feasibility of a common code of conduct for social audits including national laws, rules, and policies and international conventions such UNGP along with buyers code of conduct and third-party audit protocols.
Read:Monthly RMG production capacity to reach $7/8bn soon: BGMEA
The committee will take cognizance of the local context while adhering to local and international principles with utmost consideration.
The committee will also engage with international stakeholders including brands, trade associations, academia and social partners to formulate a feasible path to end the audit fatigue.
Monthly RMG production capacity to reach $7/8bn soon: BGMEA
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan on Wednesday said Bangladesh is working to develop the production capacity of its factories along with high-end value addition, enabling them to handle USD $7 or $8 billion apparel supply orders in a month in near future.
The President of BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) came up with the disclosure while addressing a dialogue organised by Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) in its office in the capital.
“We’re getting huge orders from our regular buyers and a large number of new buyers rush here with apparel supply orders as production strength of Bangladesh has gained a trust among global buyers to supply products in all weather,” he told UNB replying to a query.
He said Bangladesh earned $4 billion exporting apparels in December 2021 alone, the highest-ever record in one month, as a result of keeping factories in operation and following health guidelines during the pandemic.
READ: BGMEA delegation meets army chief
Bangladesh will soon achieve the ability of handling monthly order worth $7 or $ 8 billion for apparel supply, as all the sectors related to apparel production have been working to improve on this line, Faruque said.
He said there are a good number of world-class apparel factories in Bangladesh of which 153 are green ones. The year 2022 will be an important year for investment in backward linkage areas. “The country will see many improvements this year in the whole apparel industry.”
The BGMEA chief emphasised the need for maintaining good relations with all foreign friends and buyers for expanding the apparel sector to top level and diversification in productions.
BGMEA works with different ministries and Bangladesh Bank for infrastructure development, simplifying payment and tax collection in line with the challenges of LDC graduation, Faruque said.
He hoped that US sanctions on some people or forces would not affect the apparel business as Bangladesh is trying to resolve the issues. “We’re maintaining zero tolerance when it comes to factory compliance and labour rights issues. So, the factories of BGMEA members are running smoothly. BGMEA is also working to digitise the member factory list, along with a transparent system of working manpower numbers of each factory.”
Replying to another query, Faruque said all the political parties of Bangladesh are aware about the country’s economy and there is no need to involve in politics for doing business here.
He focused on signing PTA and FTA to face the situation after the country’s graduation from the LDC group along with applying GSP plus facilities for a better preparation of the sector.
Regarding repayment stimulus loans, the BGMEA president said the businesses want the duration of loan repayment to be extended so that they can run factory expenditure as well.
He acknowledged and thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her prudential steps of announcing stimulus packages and keeping the factories open amid the risk of pandemic, which keeps Bangladesh in apparel business with a strong footing.
BGMEA is working with a number of programmes, including an innovation centre, labour training institute to enhance the skills of local labour forces.
READ: RMG sector’s prestigious position built upon hard works of workers, entrepreneurs: BGMEA president
Despite the initiatives of skilled development, many foreign skilled workers have been working here at a very efficient tech-no-how level, but the number is gradually decreasing along with developing local skills, Faruque added.
BGMEA delegation meets army chief
A delegation of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) led by its President Faruque Hassan met Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed in the capital Monday.
They talked about how Bangladesh's demographic dividend can be used properly through skill upgradation and discussed possible areas where Bangladesh Army could provide support in training young people to develop their skills.
Faruque informed the army chief about the present situation of the apparel industry and how the industry turned around, tackling the unprecedented disruption in economic progress caused by Covid-19.
READ: BGMEA stands beside disadvantaged with winter clothes
Also, the BGMEA leaders praised the role of Bangladesh Army in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, especially in the implementation of infrastructural development projects.
Once completed, the megaprojects will play a significant role in fostering economic development and drawing investment in the country, they added.
The chief of army staff praised the way the apparel sector addressed the unprecedented impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and rebounded. Namely, he talked mentioned the resilience and indomitable spirit of both workers and entrepreneurs in navigating the industry through the pandemic.
BGMEA vice-presidents Shahidullah Azim, Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Md Nasir Uddin and Director Abdullah Hil Rakib were also present.
RMG sector’s prestigious position built upon hard works of workers, entrepreneurs: BGMEA president
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan has said the prestigious position attainted by the ready-made garment industry of Bangladesh is built upon the years of hard works and dedication of both workers and entrepreneurs.
The industry has immense contributions to rebuilding the war-ravaged country which is now a ‘development surprise’ to many in the world due to its impressive performance in socio-economic development over the last 50 years, he said.
The BGMEA chief made the observations while delivering his speech as guest of honor at a program organized by Bangladesh Textile & Garment Workers League (BTGWL) in Dhaka on Friday, marking 50 years of BTGWL.
Awami League Presidium Member Shajahan Khan MP and General Secretary of Bangladesh Trade Union Kendra Dr. Wajedul Islam Khan were present as special guests.
Read: BGMEA urges BBCCI to promote more trade between Bangladesh, UK
BTGWL President Z M Kamrul Anam presided over the program.
In his address Faruque Hassan said the RMG industry of Bangladesh has made significant progress in the areas of safety and sustainability, especially workers’ well-being and industrial relations.
He further said 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, the industry has responded well.
“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. A central fund has been created under the supervision of the government where garment factories are contributing more than $15 million of their export receipts to be used for the workers’ welfare purposes,” he added.
15 apparel manufacturers get Green Factory Award
Thirty institutions, including 15 garment factories, have received Green Factory Award 2020 for their contribution to saving the environment and creating employment.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined the award-giving ceremony virtually as the chief guest. State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian handed over the awards on behalf of the PM in the capital Wednesday.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment launched the "Green Factory Award 2020" this year to encourage local industries to invest in green measures.
Read Grameenphone observes Green Week 2022
The award-winning institutions include 15 factories from the garment industry, three institutions from the food processing, four from tea, two from leather, three from the plastic and three others from the pharmaceutical sectors.
The garment factories which received the award are Remi Holdings Limited, Tarasima Apparels Limited, Plummy Fashions Limited, Mithela Textile Industries Limited, Vintage Denim Studio Limited, AR Jeans Producer Limited, Karooni Knit Composite Limited, Designer Fashion Limited, Kenpark Bangladesh Apparel Private Limited (Kenpark Unit 2), Green Textile Limited (Unit 3), Four H Dyeing and Printing Limited, Wisdom Attires Limited, Mahmuda Attires Limited, Snowtex Outerwear Limited and Auko-Tex Limited.
Bangladesh has 152 green garment buildings certified as "Leadership in Environmental and Energy in Design (LEED)" by the US Green Building Council.
Read Bangladesh, Denmark sign document to strengthen partnership on green transition
Among them 44 factories are platinum rated while 94 are gold rated, 10 are silver. 500 more factories are in the process of achieving LEED certification.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan congratulated the factories on winning the award and expressed appreciation for their efforts to cut carbon emissions and global warming and their commitment to a healthy and sustainable future.
He urged the government to honour all green garment factories in Bangladesh with awards to recognise their contributions to protecting the environment.
Read Huawei to enrich digital solutions to empower APAC's green development
Labour orgs, BGMEA to work for greater interests of RMG industry
Leaders of BGMEA and labour rights organizations have expressed their firm willingness to continue collaboration and cooperation to maintain harmonious industrial relations for the greater interests of the RMG sector.They said years of hard work and dedication of both entrepreneurs and workers have brought the RMG industry of Bangladesh to a glorious position in the world.Maintaining sound relations between the employers and workers through effective engagement and discussions will help the apparel sector to carry forward its achievements and keep the growth momentum going, they opined.
READ: BGMEA urges consul general in Hong Kong to support buyers more
The observations came from a meeting held between the BGMEA leadership and labour leaders at BGMEA office in Uttara on Monday.In the meeting BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said while the apparel sector is yet to fully recover from the impacts of the Covid-19, the increase in prices of yarn, cotton, dyes, chemicals and other raw materials has pushed the production cost up.“But prices have not increased proportionately. Moreover, recent surge in Covid-19 infection in the world including some European countries has raised concerns.”
READ: BGMEA seeks Germany’s support to continue duty benefits in EUIn such a critical situation, we all have to work together and be united so that our apparel industry can face all the challenges and remain competitive in the global market,” the BGMEA President added.
BGMEA seeks Russian support for RMG exports
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has sought cooperation from Russia to remove the bilateral trade barriers and facilitate exports of readymade garments and other Bangladeshi products to its market.
Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Vikentyevich Mantytskiy called upon BGMEA President Faruque Hassan in the capital Thursday.
They had discussions on various trade-related issues, especially how bilateral trade could be enhanced.
Read: BGMEA urges BBCCI to promote more trade between Bangladesh, UK
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Russia is a promising market where there is a great demand for Bangladeshi garments. "But barriers to transactions through banking channels and tariff complications are stumbling blocks to apparel exports to the country."
BGMEA Vice-President Miran Ali and First Secretary at the Russian Embassy in Dhaka Anton Vereshchagin were also present.
BGMEA urges BBCCI to promote more trade between Bangladesh, UK
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has called upon the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BBCCI) to help Bangladesh draw more foreign investment; project a positive image and protect the interests of the country internationally.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan urged the association to explore more trade and investment opportunities and areas of cooperation between the UK and Bangladesh.
Read: BGMEA calls for investment in high value-added, non-cotton textile
Faruque made the call during a meeting with BBCCI President Bashir Ahmed, who paid a courtesy visit to the BGMEA office in the capital Thursday.
The BGMEA president sought the BBCCI's support in encouraging British businessmen, including Bangladeshis living in the UK, to invest in different potential sectors of Bangladesh such as high value-added and non-cotton textile.
He also urged the BBCCI to encourage the Bangladeshi community in the UK to give preference to garments made in Bangladesh during their shopping and also present them as gifts to their foreign friends.
Read:BGMEA for improving nutritional status of workers to boost efficiency, productivity
It would not only increase demand for Bangladeshi apparel in the UK market but also contribute to promoting the "Made in Bangladesh'' brand among the British citizens, he added.
BGMEA Vice-President Miran Ali, BBCCI North East Region President Mahtab Miah, Bengal Dutch International Managing Director GR Choudhury and Asian Tiger Capital Partners Chairman Ifty Islam were also present.
BGMEA calls for investment in high value-added, non-cotton textile
The high value-added and non-cotton textile items hold great potential for investment in Bangladesh as the apparel industry is increasingly focusing on a shift towards synthetic fibres, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said Monday.
The growing consciousness among the consumers about the environment and sustainability are driving them towards non-cotton, especially manmade fibres, and Bangladesh has ample opportunity in this area, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said.
He was delivering the keynote speech at a session "Readymade garments and textiles – weaving the way" during an investment summit at a city hotel.
Md Atiqul Islam, mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation, chaired the session, and Shovon Islam, managing director of Sparrow Group, moderated it.
Faruque said, "Along with focusing on fibre diversification, we also need to make a considerable investment in skill development to make sophisticated products."
READ: BGMEA for improving nutritional status of workers to boost efficiency, productivity
He also emphasised making more progress in innovation, pattern making, design input services, developing own collections, trend analysis, product research and development.
BGMEA ties up with CNN to promote 'Made in Bangladesh'
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has entered a partnership with US-based CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) to promote "Made in Bangladesh" by showcasing the country's success and potential in the international arena.
Through this partnership, the apex trade body of Bangladesh's garments manufacturers will team up with CNN to sketch the stories of how the garment industry has been driving Bangladesh forward and contributing to building a more prosperous future it.
CNNIC will showcase the compelling stories of Bangladesh's apparel sector – namely, the strides the country has made in ensuring workplace safety, environmental sustainability and workers' wellbeing – said the BGMEA.
Read: Apparel industry carrying 'Made in Bangladesh' mark across the world: BGMEA
Steps taken by the industry to enhance competitiveness through innovation, diversification, technology upgrading, and upskilling will also be highlighted.
The apex trade body signed a memorandum of understanding with CNNIC's local representative Spellbound Communications Sunday.
Read: Apparel makers urged not to take export orders without justified rate
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan inked the agreement in the presence of Dr Md Jafar Uddin, chief executive officer of the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI).
BGMEA Vice-President Shahidullah Azim, BFTI Director Md Obaidul Azam and Spellbound Communications Managing Director Mohammad Sadequl Arefeen were also present.