DHAKA, Nov 25, 2021 (BSS) - The RMG industry is not only making 
contribution to the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, but also 
bringing glory for the nation, said Faruque Hassan, President of the 
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). 

  "The apparel industry is carrying the "Made in Bangladesh" trade mark 
across the world and we are all proud of it. The industry belongs to all 
people of this country -- development of the sector means development of 
Bangladesh and betterment of its people," he said. 

  Faruque also said the next phase of Bangladesh's economic growth would 
hugely depend on the industrial sector where the apparel industry would play 
the pivotal role. "So it's the responsibility of all people to protect the 
industry for the greater interests of our country," he said. 

  The BGMEA President came up with the observations while speaking at an 
event titled "Sustainability of the Apparel Industry of Bangladesh: Policies, 
Scopes and Constraints" organized by Solidaridad Network Asia and ESTex 
Foundation held at a hotel in the capital today.

  The program aims to provide a platform to policy makers and sectoral 
stakeholders for highlighting the policy gaps and needs and constraints, 
exploring new opportunities and initiating pathways for implementing 
solutions to the environmental, social, and economic issues to achieve 
sustainability of the apparel industry of Bangladesh. 

  In his address, Faruque called on brands and retailers to be rational in 
terms of pricing to make the supply chain resilient and sustainable. 

  "There is a sharp disconnect between sustainability and pricing mechanisms. 
Our factories are increasingly investing for safety and sustainability. 
Besides, in prices of yarn, chemicals and other raw materials in the global 
supply chain has pushed up production costs in garment manufacturing. But, 
prices are not being offered in line with the context. The gap is needed to 
be closed," he said. 

  Mohammad Hasan Arif, General Manager, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority 
(BEZA), Selim Reza Hasan, Country Manager, Solidaridad Network Asia, Syed 
Naved Husain, Group Director, BEXIMCO Limited and Dr Mohidus Samad Khan, 
EStex Foundation also attended the programme.