Online Desk: Sammilito Parishad organized a meeting named "Meet the Press" in the capital city on Thursday for the upcoming polls to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), one of the largest trade associations in the country representing the readymade garment industry. Where, leaders have vowed to address prudently the pressing challenges surrounding the RMG sector and also to continue the export trend.
Former BGMEA President and President of Sammilito Parishad President Quazi Moniruzzaman, Panel leader and Chaity Group Managing Director Md Abul Kalam and former BGMEA President Faruque Hassan spoke on the occasion while Md Mustafizur Shovon Islam moderated the event.
Panel leader Md Abul Kalam said the BGMEA election is taking place at a time when the global trade system is passing through a challenging time especially the imposition of reciprocal tariff by the United States of America (USA) for which the country`s RMG sector could fall into risk to its single largest export destination like the USA.
Besides, he cited that the energy crisis and pricing, complexities in customs, bonds and in the banking sector and the issues related to the LDC gradation could also make the journey of this sector.
Chaity Group MD mentioned that the Sammilito Parishad has formed a strong panel this time comprising tested, experienced, educated, and professional entrepreneurs to realize industry-friendly policy support from the government alongside continuing the export growth.
A total of 76 candidates will contest for 35 posts of Board of Directors of the BGMEA in the upcoming biennial elections for 2025-2027 term.
Two platforms -- Sammilita Parishad and Forum -- announced their final lists of candidatures with 35 each while another platform namely Oikkyo Parishad will contest the election with six candidates.
According to the final list, a total of 1,864 voters --1,561 in Dhaka and 303 in Chattogram -- are expected to cast their votes in the polls.
BGMEA polls for the 2025-27 term is scheduled to take place on May 31, 2025.