Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has demanded an independent body or a separate ministry for the apparel industry to help the sector grow.
"At present we have some 4,210 member factories. But BGMEA is not capable to monitor such huge industrial sector to ensure factory compliance issues," acting President of BGMEA Abdus Salam Murshidi told a press conference yesterday.
The apparel sector leader underscored the need for a separate ministry to facilitate quick solution of various complex problems.
"Please give us a separate ministry to keep the industry alive," Murshidi urged the government while briefing the press on the present state of the apparel sector.
BGMEA first Vice-President SM Abu Tayeb, Vice-President (finance) Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury Arun, Vice-President Shahidul Haque Shikder and directors Mahboob Chowdhury and Harunur Rashid were, among others, present at the briefing.
In his written statement, the acting chief of BGMEA said the association is going to adopt a programme to pursue the factories to abide by the compliance requirements.
Under the programme, 40 BGMEA officials along with the fire service and civil defense personnel will inspect the garment factories.
"The inspectors will raise awareness among the factory authorities regarding work environment, weekly holiday, minimum wage, maternal leave, and setting up of emergency stairs and fire extinguishing measures," Murshidi said.
