BGMEA
BGMEA for ensuring workers' health, well-being for improving productivity
Ensuring the health and well-being of the workers must be a key priority for building a better and more sustainable readymade garments (RMG) industry, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has said.
"If the workers are healthy, the industry will run well. As we are increasingly focusing on enhancing the industry's capacity and productivity, it's imperative to ensure workers' health because healthy workers are more productive," BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Tuesday at the global women leaders' organisation G100's first summit in Bangladesh.
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Planning Minister MA Mannan attended the event as chief guest. Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Anne Gerard van Leeuwen, founder and President of G100 Harbin Arora Rai, and Farzanah Chowdhury, G100 global chair of healthcare and wellness, also spoke at the programme.
Faruque said: "We often talk about socio-economic issues like employment, empowerment, environmental sustainability, and workplace safety. But we also have to remember that health is a very important part to keep our workers well, happy and productive."
"Most of our factories maintain health care centres, eye care facilities, daycare centres, fair price shops, and so on within the premises. Factories also run schools, hospitals, and other charitable initiatives for the community, and employ physically challenged people," he added.
Read more: Bangladesh to stay safe, sustainable apparel sourcing destination: BGMEA
Industry stakeholders need to take a more holistic approach to ensure workers' health which would contribute to making the workforce more productive and the industry more competitive, the BGMEA president said.
BGMEA calls upon Li & Fung increase value-added apparels from Bangladesh
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan called upon Li & Fung to increase sourcing garments, especially value-added products from Bangladesh.
He also requested Li & Fung to explore avenues of how they could collaborate with their suppliers in developing high-end products including man-made fibre-based apparels, home textiles and other products, and source those products from Bangladesh.
He made the request to Spencer Fung, Executive Chairman of Li & Fung, who paid a visit to BGMEA on November 23.
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Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Press, Publication and Publicity Shovon Islam was also present at the meeting.
During the meeting, they discussed various trade-related issues, including the global apparel market situation and Li & Fung’s plans of business expansion in Bangladesh.
They also talked about how Li & Fung could collaborate with BGMEA to strengthen the capability of the Centre of Innovation, Efficiency and Occupational Health and Safety (CEOSH).
Their discussions also included the possible scope of Li &Fung’s cooperation to develop the knowledge and skills of students of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT).
Faruque Hassan said Bangladesh is increasingly focusing on moving up the value chain by diversifying products and upgrading technologies.
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Li & Fung could work together with their suppliers to develop innovative products and expand their business base in Bangladesh, he said.
BGMEA chief stresses nutritious diet for workers’ health, productivity
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan on Tuesday underscored the need for comprehensive efforts and mass awareness to improve nutritional status of garment workers who are the driving force behind the RMG industry in Bangladesh.
“Inadequate nutrition, particularly among women, is one of the main reasons for worker inefficiency. Workers will be able to maintain good health and the energy to be as productive as the job required if nutritious and safe foods are ensured for them,” he said.
Faruque Hassan made the observations while speaking at a program organized by Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and Auchan Foundation in Dhaka.
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Besides, not always the RMG workers have proper knowledge of which foods are good in terms of nutritional value, so awareness should be raised among them about nutritious foods and their benefits, he added.
“In addition to law mandatory CSR activities, many RMG factories in Bangladesh are taking praiseworthy initiatives for workers to ensure their well-being,” Faruque said in his speech.
One of such initiatives is fair price shop where daily commodities are sold at affordable prices, he said, adding that if workers could be made aware and encouraged to buy foods having nutritional value would be health beneficial for them.
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Apart from initiatives of individual factories, a comprehensive approach needs to be taken by all the stakeholders of the garment sector for ensuring the proper nutrition of garment workers at affordable prices, Faruque remarked.
Md. Ehsan-E-Elahi, Secretary, Ministry of Labor and Employee; Khaled Mamun Chowdhury, ndc, Director General, Department of Labour; Mohammad Hatem, Executive President, BKMEA; Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President (Finance), BGMEA; Ms. Juliette Bataille, Project Manager, Auchan Foundation; Alain Reners, General Delegate, Auchan Foundation; and Dr. Rudaba Khondorker, Country Director, GAIN also spoke at the event.
BGMEA chief for intensifying collaboration with S Africa to reap mutual benefits
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has said Bangladesh and South Africa have the opportunity to widen avenues of mutual trade and investment through intensifying bilateral cooperation and engagement.
More effective discussions and interaction between the both countries would help to explore many potential areas of mutual benefits, he observed.
His remarks came during a luncheon meeting with Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation in South Africa on Tuesday.
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The luncheon meeting was hosted by Md. Shahriar Alam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, in honor of Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini at the stateguest house Padma in Dhaka.
Various trade related issues including possible areas and ways of expanding trade between Bangladesh and South Africa were discussed in the meeting.
They also had discussions about how Bangladesh could increase RMG exports to the South African market.
The possible ways of sharing technological know-how for mutual benefits got due importance in the meeting.
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Nahim Razzaq, MP, Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, Cedrick C. Crowley, Minister Plenipotentiary, South African High Commission to India New Delhi, India, and P. Mokazi, Director Technical Specialist, Office of Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini were also present at the meeting.
BGMEA to support initiative of rickshaw display at Manchester Museum
As part of its branding Bangladesh initiatives, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) will support an initiative launched by a group Bangladeshi youths to promote the tradition and cultural heritage of Bangladesh internationally.
BGMEA will sponsor the “We Love Rickshaw” initiative under which Manchester Museum of the UK will take two traditional paddle Rickshaws from Bangladesh as a symbol of heritage and tradition.
One of the rickshaws will go on display in the South Asia Gallery at Manchester Museum and the other will travel to different venues in the city.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan made announcement of BGMEA’s support to the initiative at a programme held at BGMEA Complex on Sunday.
Mosaddek Hossain, Chief Coordinator, “We Love Rickshaw” social campaign was also present on the occasion.
BGMEA Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Directors Abdullah Hil Rakib and Md. Imranur Rahman and chairmen of different standing committees were also present at the program.
He said BGMEA is happy to support this initiative as it is a big opportunity for them to showcase rich culture and heritage to the international audience.
Faruque Hassan urged all to contribute from the respective positions to branding Bangladesh.
BGMEA sponsors Bangladesh Wheelchair Cricket Team
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) will sponsor Bangladesh Wheelchair Cricket Team in the international T20, ODI wheelchair cricket tournament to be held in India from 17-21 January 2023.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan handed over the sponsorship cheque to Bangladesh Wheelchair Cricket Team captain Mohammad Mohasin at a program at BGMEA Complex on November 20.
Bangladesh will play 3 T20 and 1 one-day match against India in the tournament.
A 15-member Bangladesh Wheelchair Cricket Team will fly to India in January 2023 to participate in the tournament.
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BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said BGMEA has been making every possible effort to promote ‘Made in Bangladesh’ globally.
BGMEA has organized the first-ever “Made in Bangladesh Week” as part of its endeavors to showcase the country internationally, he said.
“Bangladesh Wheelchair Cricket Team has already made their mark in the international arena and has potential to bring more glory to Bangladesh. BGMEA is supporting Bangladesh Wheelchair Cricket Team with sponsorship as it will contribute to branding Bangladesh,” Faruque Hassan added.
Wheelchair Cricket Team captain Mohammad Mohasin expressed thanks to BGMEA for the sponsorship.
Netherlands, BGMEA discuss more collaboration in RMG
The Netherlands and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have discussed further collaboration for the development of Bangladesh's apparel industry.
Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Anne van Leeuwen paid a courtesy visit to BGMEA President Faruque Hassan Sunday.
Read: Two new RMG factories under BGMEA now green certified
They also discussed different issues facing the readymade garments (RMG) industry, including major challenges in the current context of the global market and economy which is badly impacted by the ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Faruque informed the envoy about the future priorities of Bangladesh's RMG industry, including an increased emphasis on moving up the value chain with high-value products, productivity and efficiency improvement.
Read: Harmonious relations between workers, employers key to Bangladesh's RMG success: BGMEA
Anne van Leeuwen praised the progress made by Bangladesh's apparel industry and expressed interest in cooperation and collaboration for the development of the industry.
The envoy planted a sapling at the BGMEA premises as a token of his appreciation of BGMEA's endeavours to promote sustainability in the RMG industry of Bangladesh.
Two new RMG factories under BGMEA now green certified
Two new readymade garment (RMG) factories, operating under Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association (BGMEA), have received LEED certification (certificate for green factories) from United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
The green-certified factories are Barnali Collections Limited from Narayanganj, with 64 points out of 110, and Bangladesh Export Import Company Limited (Beximco) from Gazipur, with 85 points out of 110.
The information was made public on Saturday (November 19, 2022) by Md Mohiuddin Rubel, Director of BGMEA.
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“With two new factories getting LEED certification, the total number of green factories in the country now stands at 178. This achievement will help us in developing our brand image to the international buyers,” said Rubel, adding that 13 factories out of a total of 58 have already achieved platinum certifications this year.
Rubel added that green factories increase the confidence of the buyers to procure more RMG products from Bangladesh.
“At a time when our orders have decreased by 20-30 percent due to the ongoing global economic slowdown, the fact that we’ve been considered once again for the safest factories will boost our business. Besides, green factories consume less energy than the traditional factories, which is a must as the country struggles with energy supply to factories,” added Rubel.
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Rubel further said the LEED certification will help Bangladesh’s RMG producers to compete in the global market and get the best prices.
Students, professionals receive BGMEA's Sustainable Design and Innovation Award
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has presented university students and industry professionals with the Sustainable Design and Innovation Award.
For the first time in Bangladesh, the Sustainable Design and Innovation Award has been launched by BGMEA to promote sustainable design and innovation in the country's apparel industry.
A jury board comprising experts selected the best sustainable and innovative submissions by evaluating the submissions based on innovative aspects of the design, functionality, aesthetics, consideration of environmental standards and social footprint of the product, and process innovation.
The awards were handed over to the winners and runners-up at a ceremony organised by BGMEA as a part of the Made in Bangladesh Week at International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka Wednesday.
Salman Fazlur Rahman, private industry and investment adviser to the prime minister, was the chief guest at the event.
Nasrul Hamid, state minister for power, energy and mineral resources, attended the ceremony as a special guest. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan chaired the award ceremony.
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Champions of the student group are Bishwajit Mazumder of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology (SMUCT), Mahmuda Monsur Mira of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT); Md Rokebul Islam of SMUCT, Saima Binta Hoque of BUFT, and Shariat Sultana Simi of SMUCT.
Md Mohiminul Islam of SMUCT, Md Rayhan Sharkar of BUFT, Md Roman Khan of BUFT, Nishita Rani Sarker Nipa of BUFT, and Nurunnaher Alam Bristy of BUFT became runners-up.
Champions of the professional group are Ajoy Day of Urmi Group, Md Azmir Hasan Bitlu of Bitopi; Mohammad Imran Hyder of Ananta Denim Technology; Sabina Akter of MM Knitwear Ltd; Sarawat Jahan Eva, Ananta Companies; Md. Golam Rabby of Square, and Ahsan Erfan of Grameen Uniqlo.
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Faruque Hassan said: "Bangladesh's RMG industry has been making continuous efforts to promote sustainability. The Sustainable Design and Innovation Award is such an effort to empower and reward young and talented people who will play an active role in building a more sustainable future."
6 photographers honored with Made in Bangladesh Photography Award
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has honored six photographers with the first-ever Made in Bangladesh Photography Award for capturing the captivating beauty of Bangladesh through their creative eyes and lens.
Sultan Ahmed Niloy, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Md. Asker Ibne Firoz won the Photography Award while S M Yousuf Sharif, Sajib Karmakar and Muhammad Amdad Hossain have become runners up.
The awards were handed over to the winners at a grand ceremony organized by BGMEA at International Convention City Bashudhara in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Salman Fazlur Rahman, MP, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister, graced the ceremony as the chief guest.
Nasrul Hamid, MP, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, attended the ceremony as special guest while Faruque Hassan, President of BGMEA, chaired the grand event
The Made in Bangladesh Photography Award has been launched by BGMEA to bring the captivating beauty of Bangladesh to the local and global audience through the lens of photographers and recognize the contribution of photographers in branding Bangladesh, said a media release on Thursday.
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The photography contest was an exclusive event under the umbrella of "Made in Bangladesh Week", organized by BGMEA from 12 to 18 November.
Chosen from hundreds of submissions from all photographers in three categories – 1. Culture and heritage, 2. Industry and the economy and 3. People and landscape, the winning shots depict the beauty of Bangladesh and highlight the diversity of its culture, heritage, people and landscapes.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Bangladesh is gifted with immense natural beauty, glorious history, rich culture and heritage.
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"From the Sundarbans to Bandarban, from rivers to forests, from hills to plains – wherever you go, this beautiful country has a lot to amaze you. With this photography contest, we want to encourage photographers to capture those moments, scenes and images that will testify to why we are proud of our Bangladesh and what makes “Made in Bangladesh” a prestigious brand in the world," he said.