DHAKA – Bangladesh’s interim government has disbanded the board of directors of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and appointed an administrator from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), according to local news outlets. Acting under Section 17 of the Trade Organisation Act 2022, the government dissolved the BGMEA board and appointed EPB vice-chairman Md Anwar Hossain to oversee operations.
At the time of reporting, neither the BGMEA nor the EPB had responded to requests for comment. However, local reports indicate that a government circular was issued on October 20. The circular outlines that Hossain will organise a “free and fair” election within 120 days, after which the newly-elected leadership will take over.
In August, S.M. Mannan (Kochi) stepped down as BGMEA president, citing the need for long-term medical treatment. His resignation occurred around the same time the Prime Minister left the country and a new interim government took office.
Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, who had previously served as senior vice president of the BGMEA, was unanimously elected as the new president. However, concerns were raised about the fairness of the election process.
The Dhaka Tribune reported that the restructured BGMEA board was unable to adequately address complaints from its general members, leading to further dissatisfaction.
