This decision was arrived at following deliberations between the administrator and two panels, Sammilita Parishad and Forum within the trade body.
On 11 January 2025, BGMEA interim administrator Md Anwar Hossain, convened a session with representatives of the panels to deliberate on the forthcoming BGMEA board of directors election.
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Hosted at the BGMEA complex situated in Uttara, Dhaka, the gathering included past presidents Quazi Moniruzzaman, SM Fazlul Haque, Khandaker Rafiqul Islam, and Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez. Leaders from both Sammilita Parishad and Forum were in attendance alongside members of the BGMEA’s Support Committee.
Key topics discussed during the meeting included the current energy shortage, financial sector issues, and regulatory concerns linked to the National Board of Revenue. Participants pledged to work collectively for the progression of the garment sector.
Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, former BGMEA president, also confirmed that leaders from both Sammilita Parishad and Forum panels have expressed their agreement on the April election timeline. This unity is seen as crucial to addressing ongoing challenges within the apparel sector, especially labour issues.
Hossain confirmed that preparations are underway with an updated voter list expected to be published this month, and the formation of an election board imminent.
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By GlobalDataHossain told local publication The Business Standard (TBS): “We are committed to conducting a free and fair election to hand over the charge of the association to an elected body.
“If all stakeholders cooperate with us, we will be able to hold the election on schedule as planned.”
Eligibility criteria for voters have been outlined: only exporters with current Utilisation Declaration (UD) data and subcontract manufacturers possessing updated factory licences will be considered valid electors in the forthcoming biannual elections for 2025-2026, according to sources.
BGMEA had not responded to Just Style’s request for comment at the time of going to press, but it has posted links to the local news publication articles referring to the April election on its official website.
In October 2024, Bangladesh’s provisional authorities took the step of nullifying the governing body of the BGMEA. Subsequently, an official from the Export Promotion Bureau was assigned to manage its activities.
Pursuant to Clause 17 within the Trade Organisation Act of 2022, the national administration of Bangladesh terminated the newly formed board of the BGMEA. The appointment of Hossain as overseer followed concerns on the integrity of their electoral procedures and accusations related to electoral manipulation.
Meanwhile, Hafizur Rahman Khan of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) revealed a 12-point proposal aimed at amending trade organisation rules, according to TBS.
Sammilita Parishad and Forum will compete for 35 director positions in the BGMEA election, with the president selected from the elected directors for a two-year term.
As it stands, BGMEA membership boasts over 4,500 entities with more than 3,375 registered voters. The number of active garment factories under BGMEA’s purview hovers around 2,100.
