United News of Bangladesh

Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have agreed to strengthen their long-standing partnership to promote ethical and sustainable production within Bangladesh's apparel sector. This commitment emerged from a courtesy meeting today between Kamrun Nahar, WRAP's Head of Operations for Bangladesh and Pakistan, and Mahmud Hasan Khan, President of BGMEA, at the BGMEA office in Uttara. During the discussion, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan emphasized the historical collaboration between the two organizations in advancing ethical and sustainable practices, noting that further strengthening this partnership would be beneficial for the Bangladeshi apparel industry. BGMEA seeks ministry, loan ease, bond audit reform for export growth He specifically requested WRAP to take the initiative in engaging with apparel brands to develop a unified code of conduct for the industry. Kamrun Nahar confirmed that WRAP's efforts in this regard are ongoing. The meeting also delved into various aspects of WRAP's audits.  Kamrun Nahar urged the BGMEA to play a more active role in WRAP's training courses for its members.  Discussions also covered the full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between BGMEA and WRAP in 2022, exploring potential areas of cooperation, and updating audit standards to be more current. A key point of discussion was the need for exemptions from audit requirements regarding 30% open roof space in factory buildings, which currently prevents factories from installing rooftop solar panels, and obligations concerning shared factory buildings. President Khan requested WRAP to share the comprehensive audit findings of Bangladeshi apparel factories with BGMEA.  He stated this information would assist in policy formulation for the industry and further solidify Bangladesh's position as a preferred global hub for ethical production. The meeting, held on July 7, also saw the presence of BGMEA Director Nafis-ud-Doula and WRAP's Manager of Administrative Operations, Tanjina Afrin.    

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind wrapped up his three-day state visit to Bangladesh on Friday that saw a slew of announcements. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen saw him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12.40pm, an official said. At 1.06pm, the special Air India flight carrying the President and his entourage departed. The visit was of "historical significance", given the 50th anniversary of the shared sacrifices of the people of the two countries during Bangladesh’s struggle for liberation in 1971. READ: Indian President joins banquet hosted by his Bangladesh counterpart This was the Indian President’s maiden visit to Bangladesh and also his first visit overseas since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Dr Subhas Sarkar, Minister of State for Education, and Rajdeep Roy, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) were part of the presidential delegation. In March this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too paid a landmark state visit to Bangladesh. The key announcements made during the President's visit included gifting of the Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition to the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka; announcement of the first occupant of the Bangabandhu Chair at Delhi University; and extension of the Nutan India-Bangladesh Maitree Muktijoddha Sontan Scholarship Scheme for five years.