BKMEA president Mohammad Hatem submitted the proposal to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the association said in a statement cited by local media.
BKMEA has urged Bangladesh’s government to create a high-level committee to coordinate garment-sector policymaking.
The proposed body would bring ministries, revenue officials and apparel-textile associations together to address industry issues.
The agenda covers fair codes, energy planning, stakeholder-led policy changes, transport digitalisation and building-code implementation.
The proposed committee would include the ministers of finance, commerce and industries, officials from the National Board of Revenue, and representatives of BKMEA, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and other relevant organisations.
BKMEA proposed that the committee meet either monthly or quarterly to assess new industry problems, policy issues and required measures, and to take decisions on the necessary response.
Along with industrial safety and workers’ rights, the association called for the development of a practical and acceptable Fair Code aligned with Bangladesh’s infrastructure, industrial capacity and socioeconomic conditions. BKMEA said Fair Codes now being adopted are often drawn from practices in other countries, and several provisions are difficult to apply because they do not match Bangladesh’s realities and capabilities.
To protect industrial establishments and support continued investment, BKMEA also proposed a long-term, integrated master plan for gas, electricity and other energy supply. The plan should cover the requirements of existing industries as well as future investment, industrial capacity expansion and national export targets.
The association further recommended that garment and textile policies be framed and implemented after extensive stakeholder consultation, while taking account of shifting global conditions and Bangladesh’s local realities. It said new policies should reflect the industry’s actual situation, involve all stakeholders and consider the country’s implementation capacity, with a reasonable transition period provided where needed.
BKMEA also urged the government to digitalise the road transport system to improve efficiency in business and commerce, cut time and costs, and strengthen revenue collection. Its proposal covered digital systems for national highways, roads, bridges, culverts, value-added tax and toll collection.
Considering Bangladesh’s economic situation, industrial conditions and capabilities, as well as the need to ensure fire and building safety, BKMEA proposed steps to amend and effectively implement the Bangladesh National Building Code.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
