Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) organized an Iftar and Doa Mahfil in honor of international buying institutions, brand representatives, diplomatic and development partners at the Sheraton Hotel in the capital on Tuesday. It was chaired by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and attended by representatives of various leading organizations of the world, a press release said.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan addressed the event. He said that Bangladesh is currently entering a new chapter of development. After the successful elections in February, stability and democratic processes have been re-established in the country, which is instilling new confidence in the business environment. He also mentioned that the Bangladeshi garment sector has set an export target of $100 billion in the next decade and is currently leading the world in green industrialization with 275 LEED certified factories.
Highlighting the global context, the President said that in the current time of global uncertainty, mutual cooperation is more important than ever. Our continued partnership with international partners is essential to implement the next phase of the industry’s growth and transformation.
BGMEA Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan delivered the welcome address at the event. He said that the continued trust and partnership of international brands has played a significant role in the current position of the Bangladesh garment industry. He expressed gratitude for the guiding role of development partners in building a sustainable industry.
On behalf of the brands, H&M Country Head Ziaur Rahman spoke. He called on BGMEA to maintain effective dialogue and coordination with the government to overcome the policy challenges of the garment industry.
Also present at the Iftar Mahfil from BGMEA were Vice President Vidya Amrit Khan, Director Shah Raed Chowdhury, Director Mohammad Abdur Rahim, Director Faisal Samad, Director Nafis-ud-Daulah, Director Majumder Arifur Rahman, Director Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz, Director Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Director Joarder Mohammad Hosne Qamar Alam, Director Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, Director Faruk Hasan, Director Rumana Rashid, Director Mohammad Sohel, Director Samiha Azim and chairmen of various standing committees.
ILO Team Leader Zariath Tamanna and Technical Officer Chayanich Thamparipatra, GIZ Project Head Dr. Michael Claude, Director of the KfW Regional Office Bangladesh-Nepal Michael Samser, Salim Reza Hasan of Solidaridad Network, K. M. Asadun Noor, National Project Coordinator of UNIDO, Amrita Regina Rosario, Country Director of SightSavers and Nishat Shahid Chowdhury of IFC. Representatives from UNDP, Fair Trade Foundation also participated.
Among the diplomatic representatives present were Lina Khan, Labor Attaché of the US Embassy, Zain Aziz, Trade and Investment Attaché of the Pakistan High Commission, Nadia Itani, Head of Trade of the Danish Embassy, Abu-Sayed Belal of the European Union and representatives of the Iranian Embassy and KOTRA.
More than 60 brand representatives including H&M, Decathlon, Bestseller, Texco, C&A, Tudor Night, Carrefour, Solo, Kaiser Backleitungs GmbH, Atom International Sourcing Asia Ltd, Celio, Mayoral, Lalith were present on behalf of brand and buyer representatives.
EuroCham Chairperson Nuria Lopez and IDCOL Unit Head Tanvir Ibn Bashar were present.
A special prayer was conducted at the event, wishing for the prosperity of the country and the nation and the continued success of the garment industry.
