Concerns about the Internet connection, which remains sluggish even after a week-long shutdown during the violent anti-quota protest, were voiced by international garment buyers.
According to insiders, they pleaded with suppliers and industry leaders to guarantee prompt shipping of goods and to reinstate broadband and high-speed Internet access to facilitate efficient contact with their headquarters.
The buyers also called on authorities and industry leaders to take proactive measures to ensure that Bangladesh’s eligibility for GSP plus benefits in its largest export market, the European Union, is not jeopardised by the current situation. The meeting took place at the BGMEA headquarters in Uttara, Dhaka, with leaders of the organisation.
Ziaur Rahman, regional country manager of Swedish fast fashion clothing company H&M, Shwapna Bhowmick, regional head of British multinational retailer Marks and Spencer (M&S) and representatives from Inditex and Bestseller attended the meeting.
BGMEA President SM Mannan Kochi, vice-presidents Syed Nazrul Islam, Arshad Jamal Dipu, Abdullah Hil Rakib and Miran Ali were also present.
According to meeting sources, the BGMEA and buyers’ group promised to assist one another in lessening the effects of recent disruptions.
After the meeting, a buyer representative spoke to local media anonymously and stated that even though Internet service was restored on July 24 after a week-long blackout, communication with headquarters was still difficult.
“Even during previous crises like Covid-19 and other political turmoils, the readymade garment industry was exempt from restrictions and high-speed Internet was available. But this time, the full cutoff of the Internet resulted in no communication,” the representative said, adding that the overall communication breakdown could damage the country’s image.
