The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) have agreed to work more closely to resolve persistent challenges in the country’s apparel industry, a sector regarded as the backbone of the national economy.
The commitment was outlined by Mohammad Mahbubul Hasan, Deputy Inspector General of DIFE in Chattogram, during a meeting with BGMEA leaders at the association’s regional office. He stressed that the inspectorate aims to support factory owners and reduce unnecessary disputes that often escalate due to outside interference.
Mahbubul Hasan said the inspectorate’s priority is to ensure the industry remains stable and competitive, noting that small operational issues are sometimes amplified by third parties into major controversies. He emphasised that coordinated action between DIFE and BGMEA — grounded in law, constructive dialogue and evidence-based decision-making — could prevent such situations. He added that relevant government agencies would continue to assist the sector.
He also noted that enhanced cooperation between the two institutions could significantly reduce complaints, and he pledged to address long-standing concerns regarding alleged harassment during licensing processes. He assured industry representatives that delays in DIFE-related services affecting garment factories would be resolved and that service delivery would become more timely.
BGMEA’s Acting First Vice-President, Mohammad Rafique Chowdhury, highlighted the difficulties factory owners face in securing or renewing mandatory government licences. He said many factories are already under severe strain, with smaller units struggling the most. He called for stronger support from DIFE to help stabilise the sector.
Chowdhury urged government intervention on a range of issues, including licence renewals, the issuance of new permits, handling of worker complaints, clarity on inspection protocols, wage- and salary-related challenges, oversight of non-bonded factories and measures to curb interference by external labour leaders.
