The entire manufacturing sector of the country, including the garment industry, is currently going through an unprecedented challenge in the national and international arena. In this serious context, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) organized a press conference on the ‘Bangladesh Labour Amendment Ordinance 2025’ approved in principle and finally by the interim government and urgent issues that can have a far-reaching impact on economic capacity, such as LDC graduation, Chittagong Port toll hike, etc.
The emergency press conference held at the Nurul Quader Auditorium of the BGMEA Complex on 28 October 2025 was presided over by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and was attended by BGMEA Office Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan (Bablu), Vice President Md. Rezwan Selim, Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoza Chowdhury, members of the BGMEA Board of Directors and chairmen of various committees.
Among the leaders of various trade organizations, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez); BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem; Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) President Md. Shahriar, President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Taskin Ahmed, Senior Vice President of Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, CEO of Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry Association (BAPI) Major General (Retd) Md. Mostafizur Rahman, among others.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan delivered the keynote address at the press conference.
The BGMEA President expressed deep concern that some provisions of the newly approved ‘Bangladesh Labour Amendment Ordinance 2025’, especially issues such as formation of trade unions, dual pension scheme and definition of workers, are not in line with the reality and socio-economic context of the country. If these provisions are implemented, they will create instability in the industry and disrupt production and Bangladesh’s ability to compete globally will be severely affected.
He requested the interim government to review the ‘Bangladesh Labor Amendment Ordinance 2025’ in line with the country’s reality and socio-economic context in order to maintain the ongoing challenges of the industry and its economic capacity.
Leaders of various trade organizations present at the press conference said that the increase in port fees by about 41% will increase the operating costs of the industry. They said that this increase in fees is unreasonable, because due to the depreciation of the taka against the dollar, the fees in taka have already increased by 308% in the last 40 years. They drew the attention of the Chittagong Port Authority to increase efficiency without increasing the port fees.
The meeting strongly urged to postpone the deadline for LDC withdrawal by at least 3 years until a business-friendly environment is ensured, in order to maintain the competitiveness of the entire manufacturing sector of the country, including the garment industry.
