DHAKA – A group of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) members have called on the relevant authorities to dissolve the current boards of both the trade body and the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT).
They claimed the BGMEA leadership failed to provide adequate guidance to its members during recent challenges, including disruptions caused by student protests, political changes, and ongoing flood conditions.
The concerns were raised during a press conference held under the banner “General Members of BGMEA” at a hotel in the capital.
Mozammel Hoque Bhuiyan, a BGMEA member, accused the current board, led by SM Mannan Kochi and followed by Khandoker Rafiqul Isam, of assuming power through vote rigging and a fraudulent voter list.
He further alleged that former Awami League MP Salam Murshedy, Industry and Commerce Affairs Secretary Siddiqur Rahman, and Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam were involved in the vote rigging with the support of their respective forces.
Bhuiyan demanded the immediate resignation and dissolution of the current board and called for the formation of an interim non-political board to oversee a fair election with a revised voter list.
Regarding BUFT, he noted that seven out of the nine members of the university’s trustee board are currently fugitives.
Meanwhile, the BGMEA has sought the cooperation of the IndustriALL Bangladesh Council (IBC) leaders to maintain stable labour conditions in the garment sector amidst the ongoing challenges.
The request was made during a discussion meeting held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara.
The meeting focused on the overall situation of the garment industry, which has recently faced significant challenges. The participants noted that recent events have severely impacted export-import activities and factory operations, leading to financial difficulties, including a cash flow crisis.
In light of the current situation, the BGMEA has requested the IBC leaders’ cooperation to avert labour unrest and road blockades by workers over minor issues, ensuring no sufferings to the common people.
BGMEA president Khandoker Rafiqul Islam stated: “If there is any problem somewhere, we will have to work together.” He called for collective cooperation to address these issues. Colonel Mohiuddin noted that while demands may arise, they should be addressed collaboratively.
