Harassment by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has put businessmen — whatever they export or import — up against a wall, former BGMEA president Md Siddiqur Rahman has said.
Siddiqur, also the industry and trade affairs secretary of the Awami League’s central committee, made the allegation while addressing the closing ceremony of the two-day Bangladesh Denim Expo in Dhaka on Tuesday. BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel moderated the ceremony.
Siddiqur urged the Textiles and Jute Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak to press the issue in the next cabinet meeting to resolve the crisis. “We are making a significant contribution to the country’s economy, but we are now helpless.
“Not just us, other export and import sectors are also facing unnecessary trouble from the NBR even though Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has a business-friendly mind. She is trying her best, but some people around her randomly harass us. We want relief from this,” he said.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister Nanak said that the readymade garment manufacturers, sector leaders and workers are dedicated to this industry and that is why the sector is moving forward by weathering all challenges.
“I request the buyers to choose Bangladesh and pay a fair price as the country is now a safe and compliant sourcing hub. I am confident that with the RMG industry’s influence, Bangladesh will significantly progress into a developed country very soon,” he said.
The Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Irma van Dueren also praised Bangladesh’s economic and sustainable development progress as well as the revolution in setting up LEED-certified green RMG factories.
“Bangladesh has made impressive progress in economic development indicators. The RMG sector has been crucial to this progress. In the coming years, our focus on the sector will be more and more on sustainability and circular practices everywhere. Netherlands will continue its support for an inclusive labour law for the RMG workers,” she said.
H&M Regional Country Manager Ziaur Rahman emphasised the European Union’s due diligence law as this is a key issue in exporting clothes to the region in the future.
He said, “I was a little bit surprised that very few people started talking about this law in Bangladesh and many people do not even know that this law impacts the sourcing destination.
“Transparency is also a key part. The industry has roughly around four million workers. We believe all of the workers will be treated respectfully and they will be able to enjoy a safe and healthy workplace.”
He added, “Our ambition is to lead the change toward the circular fashion industry with net zero climate impact as a fair and equal company. Circularity is one of the areas that we really need to work on.”
Addressing the event, BGMEA President SM Mannan Kochi said, “We are now incorporating automation and becoming ready to acquire greater market share globally. We are making constant efforts in business sustainability, and we are optimistic that we can add even greater value in the coming years.”
He said, “We need joint effort. Buyers have confidence in Bangladesh as we have eco-friendly, compliant and green factories. We are working on better compliance and sustainability.”
