The Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBA) has appealed to the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) for the release of a shipment stranded at the recently shut-down Thianis Apparels Ltd factory in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ). However, Bepza has denied the request, citing legal restrictions due to an ongoing court dispute.
The shipment in question contains 10,555 pieces of export-ready suits, vests, and trousers, valued at US $ 132,891 free-on-board (FOB), produced for BGBA member ABC Bangla Fashion. The goods are packed and sealed inside a container with a valid export permission number, according to BGBA.
In a formal letter dated 31st July, BGBA urged Bepza to allow the shipment to proceed, warning that failure to do so could financially hurt the buying house and jeopardise Bangladesh’s reputation as a reliable sourcing destination. The association also noted that a follow-up export order worth US $ 500,000 hangs in the balance.
BGBA highlighted that all materials used in the production, including fabrics and trims were fully owned by ABC Bangla Fashion, and that Thianis Apparels was engaged solely as a contract manufacturer.
Earlier, on 3rd July, ABC Bangla Fashion requested Bepza to extend the factory’s export permission by 7–8 days to facilitate the shipment. “The container is booked, and every hour counts. We’re not asking for favours, just the chance to deliver goods that are already completed and paid for,” said Abdul Kaiyum, CEO of ABC Bangla Fashion, in the appeal.
The request included the commercial invoice, export permission documents, and shipment ownership records, and was also forwarded to the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), and the chief adviser.
Despite the efforts, Bepza has remained firm. “There’s no provision to release goods from a factory whose lease has been terminated,” said Abdus Sobhan, executive director of CEPZ. “The matter is in court, and until resolved by a full-bench hearing, we cannot proceed.”
Thianis Apparels Ltd was shut down in mid-June over unpaid dues amounting to Taka 28 crore in rent and utility bills. Bepza formally terminated its lease and export licence on 4th July. The High Court, on 15th July, stayed the termination and temporarily reinstated the export permission. However, following Bepza’s appeal, a chamber judge of the Appellate Division stayed that order on 29 July, with a full hearing set for 11th August.
Bepza confirmed that wages of 681 Thianis Apparels workers have already been paid as per court directives.
BGBA has called on Bepza and relevant authorities to find an immediate and pragmatic solution, warning that prolonged uncertainty could set a negative precedent for future export arrangements involving third-party manufacturers.
