Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government, called on Bangladesh’s garment manufacturers on 14th August to support the nation’s rebuilding efforts after 15 years of economic mismanagement under Sheikh Hasina’s regime.
Addressing the leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at the State Guest House Jamuna, Professor Yunus highlighted the challenges faced by the interim government. “We inherited broken institutions and an economic crisis. But with everyone’s cooperation, we can rebuild the nation,” he stated, according to a release from the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO).
BGMEA acting president Khandoker Rafiqul Islam led the delegation in the meeting, where Professor Yunus stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that failure could lead to an existential crisis for the country. He urged the manufacturers to keep their businesses separate from politics, advising, “Send a clear signal that you won’t mix business with politics. It helps no one.”
Reflecting on the recent student-led revolution, which he described as “unprecedented in human history,” Professor Yunus spoke of the heavy responsibility now placed on the interim government. He revealed that he had been called upon to lead while he was abroad, and felt compelled to accept the challenge.
BGMEA leaders pledged their full support for Professor Yunus’s leadership during this critical period. They requested the formation of a task force to address sector-specific challenges, aiming to restore international buyers’ confidence in Bangladesh. Their demands included relaxed debt repayment terms and adjustments to utility bill payments.
Professor Yunus listened to their concerns and promised transparency and support at every stage. He emphasized the potential of the Bangladeshi people and the importance of further growth in the garment industry, which is the world’s second-largest.
After the meeting, BGMEA director Shovon Islam expressed optimism about the future under Professor Yunus’s leadership. He noted that global buyers are gaining confidence in Bangladesh, which they hope to leverage to increase work orders. He also reiterated the need for a task force to address ongoing challenges and mentioned the industry’s needs for power and liquidity support, to which Professor Yunus responded positively.
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