BGMEA demand immediate election in Chattogram

The members of Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in Chattogram today (1 January) demanded immediate election of the trade body to restore governance to an elected board

The demand was made at a meeting with the participation of around 200 members at the BGMEA conference hall in the port city, reads a press release.

Chaired by BGMEA's former First Vice President SM Nurul Haque the meeting was addressed by several leaders of the association including former vice presidents Ershad Ullah and Abdus Salam.

The members criticised the appointment of the administrator, alleging that vested interests had influenced the government to remove the elected board.

"The administrator has overstepped their legal authority by implementing reforms and initiating actions beyond the scope of day-to-day organisational management, including appointing external law and audit firms and issuing controversial directives about membership renewal."

Ershad Ullah said the administrator appears to be acting on the agenda of specific interest groups rather than preparing for a timely and fair election.

He pointed out irregularities such as the demand for factory license renewals during membership renewal, a process that has never been part of BGMEA's standard requirements.

Members expressed concerns about the misuse of funds and the imposition of outdated regulations, which undermine the association's operational integrity.

SM Nurul Haque emphasised that BGMEA operates under the Trade Organizations Act 2022, the Trade Organization Rules 1994, and its own constitution, none of which justify the current actions being taken by the administrator.

He argued that the interim management is disrupting the organisation's functioning and putting the apparel sector at further risk.

Former vice president Abdus Salam underscored the pressing need for elected leadership to navigate the industry's ongoing challenges.

He criticised the lack of clarity surrounding the administrator's appointment and demanded the immediate withdrawal of recent controversial notices, particularly regarding membership renewal.

He warned that legal action might be pursued if the demands are not met.

BGMEA members unanimously called for swift elections to reinstate elected representatives and ensure the association's stability and effectiveness. They stressed the urgency of addressing the apparel industry's current struggles, which include disrupted production and growing uncertainties.

They also urged collective action to protect the export-driven garment industry, which is vital to Bangladesh's economy, and to ensure its governance aligns with democratic principles and organizational regulations, the release added.

On 21 October 2024, the elected board of directors was dissolved by the interim government, which appointed a public servant as an administrator to oversee the organization's operations.