Mahmud Hasan Khan to lead Forum panel in upcoming BGMEA election

The BGMEA's election-centric alliance, Forum, has officially announced its panel leader for the upcoming elections.

Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, managing director of Rising Fashions, will lead the Forum in the contest for leadership of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). 

The Forum introduced its panel leader to industry stakeholders at an event in Dhaka today (20 November).

Babu brings significant experience to the role, having previously served as vice president and director of BGMEA, as well as also served as director positions in the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).

Former BGMEA presidents Anisur Rahman Sinha, Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, and Rubana Huq, along with Forum President Abdul Salam and Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, were present at the event. 

Forum leaders mentioned that Babu's leadership will help to address the pressing challenges faced by the garment sector.

Industry stakeholders echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for strong, decisive leadership to navigate global and local challenges. 

"The apparel industry is at a crossroads, requiring bold and strategic decisions," said one entrepreneur. "Crisis management cannot be achieved through passive leadership alone; it demands an understanding of the sector's core needs and innovative approaches to problem-solving." 

Mahmud Hasan called for timely elections and a transparent and inclusive voter list, ensuring that only legitimate members of the association participate in the electoral process. He urged the administrator to oversee a fair and impartial election process. 

The BGMEA Board of Directors was dissolved by the Ministry of Commerce on 20 October, with an administrator appointed to facilitate the transition to a newly elected board within 120 days.