The BGMEA called a meeting on 11th August to discuss how to guarantee the seamless running of all industrial facilities in Bangladesh, including those in the apparel industry. The conference was held with members of law enforcement agencies, business organisations, and the BGMEA, FBCCI, and BTMA, by the Bangladesh Army’s GOC 9th Infantry Division and region Commander, Savar region. The summit was held at Uttara, Dhaka, at the BGMEA Complex.

Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Acting President of BGMEA, represented the trade associations while GOC Major General Md. Moin Khan, NDC, PSC represented the 9th Infantry Division.

Attendees from BGMEA included First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice President Md. Nasir Uddin, Abdullah Hill Rakib, and Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, as well as other directors.

The International Apparel Federation (IAF), as all actors in the apparel industry, are watching the events in Bangladesh which is the world’s second-largest exporter of apparel, and sending messages in the hopes that the interim Government will be able to bring about peace and stability.

The message says, “Our industry is a people’s industry and it stands to reason that at the moment the people in Bangladesh are reshaping their future, this greatly impacts the apparel industry. But the responsibility our industry bears towards the well-being of the many workers also means that in situations like this the system keeps a cool head and offers the necessary support.”

The message went on to say that currently this means that brands and retailers that source in Bangladesh -and that have witnessed the industry’s sizeable safety and environmental investments- remain patient and committed. The sourcing community can actually play a role in fostering the stability in the country that it seeks, and that is by simply not leaving at this pivotal moment. The support of the global apparel industry is a factor determining the speed with which transformation in Bangladesh unfolds and stability returns. This is the moment where the obvious need for collaboration and solidarity across the supply chain is on full display to the world.