DHAKA, Aug 8, 2024 (BSS) - A meeting was held today between general members and leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to discuss security of BGMEA and overall situation of the garment industry. 

The meeting, held at the BGMEA office in the capital's Uttara, was presided over by acting President of BGMEA Khandoker Rafiqul Islam. 

In the meeting, the general BGMEA members paid rich tributes to the students, common people, and others who lost their lives or were injured in the recent anti discriminatory student movement on quota reforms. 

They expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, said a press release. The general members strongly condemned the recent unintended incident at the BGMEA head office in Uttara yesterday. 

They emphasized that despite differing opinions, demands for reforms beyond established norms are unacceptable. Concerns were raised by the general members about the security of BGMEA, noting that repeated incidents could negatively impact foreign buyer perceptions of the industry and BGMEA. 

The meeting also discussed the industry's current challenges, including the liquidity crisis in banks and its impact on timely wage payments to workers. They also discussed on how to continue factory operations safely amidst potential risks of vandalism. 

Additionally, the situation at Chattogram Port and the safety of industrial goods vehicles on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway were discussed. 
The meeting was attended among others by BGMEA first vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, vice presidents Arshad Jamal (Dipu), Md. Nasir Uddin, Abdullah Hill Rakib, and directors and entrepreneurs.