Exporters are optimistic that the new interim Government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, will enhance buyers’ confidence and increase orders due to the Nobel laureate’s positive reputation in the West, a key market for Bangladesh’s exports.
They believe they may recoup the losses from the disturbances generated by the large-scale student movement that eventually resulted in Sheikh Hasina’s removal from office after over 16 years in office if the government can re-establish law and order and provide safety and security.
According to them, Bangladesh has a strong possibility of drawing in new investment, and customers have already indicated that they are keen to source more goods from the nation.
In discussions with the local media on Friday, industry owners highlighted some challenges that could be quickly addressed, such as restoring safety and security on highways and speeding up port activities and customs procedures for exports and imports.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association claims that to maintain safety, a combined task force under the command of military personnel has already been stationed in industrial zones.
After the task force’s participation, apparel exporters are optimistic that the port will soon reopen to full container handling capacity. Yet, with the majority of C&F agents, port employees, and customs officers absent from their workplaces, activities at Chattogram Port and Customs continue to be hampered.
