The Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association on Thursday requested the political parties to keep RMG products-carrying
vehicles out of the purview of general strike.
‘I request the politicians not to strangulate readymade garments industry to death. Please keep RMG products-carrying vehicles, like ambulance, out of the purview of hartal,’ BGMEA president Md Atiqul Islam told reporters after a meeting with the Bangladesh Bank governor at the BB headquarters in the capital.
He said, ‘The garments industry is considered the backbone of the country’s economy. But, the sector is now adversely suffering from the ongoing political unrest.’
He said that around 40 lakh workers were now earning their living by working in the garment industries.
The livelihood of the workers will be uncertain if the political turmoil persists in the months to come, he said.
He said, ‘The BGMEA has 270 sick industries and we are not able to give support to them now. The condition of the garments sector will worsen if the sick industries in the sector increase due to the current political turmoil.’
‘We will discuss the matter with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition,’ said the BGMEA chief.
‘It is not possible for anyone who wishes to come to power by wining the national elections to avoid the garments sector,’ he said.
The political unrest is giving negative message to foreigners and the sector is now at risk, he said adding that the political parties would think of it for the sake of the country’s interest.
-With New Age input
