The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested the government to provide 2-3 acres of land in various locations in Chattogram to establish compliance-focused “garment villages” for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the clothing industry.
During a meeting with the Chattogram district administration at the deputy commissioner’s office in the port city, the apex trade body emphasized the challenges faced by SME factories in meeting compliance standards, especially in fire safety, environmental protection, and worker welfare, due to financial and infrastructure limitations.
BGMEA leaders highlighted that creating an industrial cluster would enable shared access to modern facilities, assisting factories in cutting costs, ensuring compliance, staying competitive in the global market, and boosting export growth. They also expressed concerns about the declining number of garment factories in Chattogram, which has dropped from approximately 700 to about 300, impacting the region’s status as a crucial commercial hub.
Mohammad Zahedul Islam Mia, the deputy commissioner and district magistrate of Chattogram, pledged to prioritize the proposal and collaborate with relevant ministries to evaluate feasibility and accelerate the implementation process.
In attendance at the meeting were Selim Rahman, the first vice-president of BGMEA; Mohammad Rafiq Chowdhury, vice-president; Md M Mohiuddin Chowdhury; Saif Ullah Mansur; and Enamul Aziz Chowdhury, directors, alongside officials from pertinent departments.
