Over 200 garment exporters submitted a memorandum to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) calling for major reforms, including the dissolution of the current board and the formation of a new one. They expressed dissatisfaction with the current board’s performance since its election seven months ago, citing its failure to provide guidance during the recent unrest and the impact on export, import, production, and banking. They also criticized the board for not addressing the deaths of over 535 people during the protests and for not working to improve the industry’s image.
The exporters alleged that some influential leaders of the Sammilito Parishad, which won the recent BGMEA elections, were involved in election rigging. Faisal Samad, leader of the opposing panel, noted the board’s inability to improve business conditions. Acting BGMEA President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam acknowledged receiving the memorandum and indicated that the issue would be discussed in an upcoming board meeting. Islam mentioned that BGMEA President S M Mannan Kochi has been inactive amid the current violence, leaving him to take on additional responsibilities. The BGMEA reported significant financial losses due to internet outages and factory closures during the student-led protests.
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