Presidents SM Mannan Kochi of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Salim Osman of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) have reportedly decided to stand down, although the same has not been confirmed.
A top business executive who is a member of both the BGMEA and the BKMEA, who wishes to remain anonymous, stated that Kochi and Salim had a good relationship with Sheikh Hasina. However, given the current circumstances, both have gone into hiding.
“In light of this, general members have asked them to resign from their positions, and both have decided to comply with this demand.”
The change may become apparent within the next two days, he added.
He also said BGMEA Senior Vice President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam is likely to be elected as the new president, while BKMEA Executive President Mohammad Hatem is likely to succeed Salim.
Kochi was elected as the BGMEA president on 14th March this year for the 2024-26 term. He is also the general secretary of the Dhaka North City Awami League.
Following the ouster of Awami League Government on 5th August, several cases, including one for murder reportedly have been filed against Kochi.
However, the BGMEA chief, currently in Singapore for his son’s treatment, has denied any involvement in the violence.
Earlier on Tuesday (20th August), the Forum, the opposition panel of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), called for the dissolution of the current board and the establishment of an interim committee to oversee a free, fair, and credible election for the trade body.
According to a letter sent to the Commerce Ministry and addressed to the commerce adviser, the Forum claimed that the BGMEA election held in February this year was marred by irregularities and strongly influenced by the Sheikh Hasina-led government.
According to Ministry authorities, the application was sent to Dr. Naznin Kawser Chowdhury, the newly appointed Director General of DTO at the Commerce Ministry.
They also stated that if the president does not resign, the ministry will consider appointing an administrator to the association.
