Shah Alam Nur :
Leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Sunday said the delay in making delivery of raw materials imported through air cargoes is disrupting the supply chain of the export oriented sector.
They said a good number of import consignments remained stuck and kept under open sky at the country’s international airports as the Civil Aviation Authority is not allowing customs clearing agents into the airports showing excuse of security reason.
The BGMEA leaders said this when the newly elected office-bearers of the BGMEA called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office led by its president Siddiqur Rahman.Siddiqur Rahman said, “The volume of imported raw materials through air cargoes for the RMG sector is insignificant but the impact of the delay in delivery is huge. It may hamper the export of million-dollar goods as the factory owner could not do that as he is waiting for a special accessory as per the requirement of buyer. The accessory is coming through air cargo.”
The delivery of some of the consignments was delayed up to 15 days, which is completely unacceptable, he said in a written statement.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the garment owners to help complete the work of Garment Village at Gazaria in Munshiganj for further development of the country’s RMG sector.
“Our government has allocated a land for setting up the Garment Village at Gazaria in Munshiganj and necessary work is underway to develop the village. It could be completed speedily if you take some initiatives and spend some money. But, you’re close-fisted and try to save money and that’s the problem,” she said. Sheikh Hasina said all facilities are being ensured from gas supply to communications to establish the Garment Village. “There’ll be no problem at the village if you start spending money and relocating your factories there.”
Stressing the importance of reducing dependence on the government, she said, “Businessmen will have to come forward to solve problems on their own.”
The Prime Minister also called upon the RMG owners to explore newer markets across the world to give a further boost to the country’s export and thus strengthen the national economy. Terming the present government business-friendly one, she said the Awami League government never wants to do business as it works to enhance and promote business activities to give the economy a stronger footing.
Sheikh Hasina said the government always extended its support to the RMG sector for taking it forward foiling all national and international conspiracies.
“There were plots at national and international levels to impede garment export. But the plots were not successful as we took proper steps in this regard,” she said.
On high bank interest rate, the Prime Minister urged private banks to take necessary measures to this end and said the nationalized banks are providing loans at a relatively lower rate of interest.
She stressed the need for ensuring welfare of the workers by the industry owners as they are contributing towards making the country’s economy stronger. Pointing to a number of incidents happened in the garment sector, she said her government handled all those tragic accidents very successfully and extended all-out support to the victims.
Former BGMEA president Tipu Munshi, MP, Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury Parvez and Atiqul Islam, and incumbent Vice Presidents Faruque Hassan, SM Mannan (Kochi), Mohammed Nasir, Mahmud Hasan Khan (Babu), Ferdous Perves Bivon and Md. Ferdous was present on the occasion.
