Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) on Monday placed six policy proposals before Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, ranging from energy planning and fire safety to tax administration and regulatory consultation.
The first proposal calls for a high-level policy coordination committee to address problems affecting exports and industrial competitiveness.
BKMEA said the panel should include the ministers of finance, commerce and labour, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman and representatives of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, BKMEA, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association and Bangladesh Employers’ Federation.
It suggested the committee meet at least monthly or quarterly to review emerging industrial problems, policy issues and required actions.
Second, the association proposed a practical fire code tailored to Bangladesh’s infrastructure, industrial capacity and socio-economic conditions. BKMEA said factories currently face requirements drawn from different international codes, some of which are difficult to implement locally.
Third, it called for a long-term, integrated energy master plan covering gas, electricity and other energy supplies. The plan should take into account existing factory demand, future investment, expansion of industrial zones and national export targets.
Fourth, BKMEA urged the government to consult industry stakeholders before introducing new policies affecting business and trade. It said policymakers should consider market conditions, the international trade environment, existing business commitments and implementation capacity, while allowing a reasonable transition period where necessary.
Fifth, the trade body sought what it described as genuine digitalisation of NBR services, including revenue, bond, customs, value-added tax and income-tax administration. It said deeper digitalisation could reduce time, costs, complexity and harassment while improving transparency and revenue collection.
Sixth, BKMEA proposed timely revision and effective implementation of the Bangladesh National Building Code, taking into account existing infrastructure, industrial capacity and fire and building-safety requirements.
BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem submitted the proposals on behalf of the association.
