The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called upon global apparel brands and retailers to extend their support and cooperation for the implementation of the new minimum wage recently declared by the government for garment workers in the country.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan made this appeal during a meeting with the members of the Buyers Forum, a group of the representatives of major apparel brands.
The meeting took place at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara on November 15, with the presence of country heads and representatives of global apparel brands currently sourcing from Bangladesh, including H&M, Marks and Spencer, Decathlon, Next Sourcing, GEMO, Celio, Kontoor, Stanley/Stella, OUS, KMART, Otto International, Jennyfer, ALDI, SOL’s, Auchan, and KIBAI.
President Faruque Hassan provided a comprehensive briefing to the brands’ representatives, shedding light on the current state of the readymade garment industry in Bangladesh.
“In the face of these challenges, it is crucial for the industry’s uninterrupted operation that the prices of all goods, slated for shipment from December 1 are duly adjusted to cover the increment in the wage component,” remarked Faruque Hassan.
He urged brands and retailers to incorporate the new minimum wage policy into all future business negotiations and deals, emphasizing the need for their support through responsible purchasing practices.
Furthermore, Faruque Hassan requested buyers not to impose any penalties or cancel orders due to delays in shipments by some factories caused by the temporary closure resulting from recent unforeseen violent activities in certain areas.
BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President (Finance) KhandokerRafiqul Islam, Directors Faisal Samad, Barrister VidiyaAmrit Khan, InamulHaq Khan (Bablu) and Md. Imranur Rahman were also present at the meeting.
