The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has announced plans to establish a large integrated garment industrial complex in Chattogram aimed at housing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) under one roof to cut production costs and enhance sector competitiveness.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan revealed the plan during a high-level meeting with BIDA and BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun at the BIDA headquarters in Dhaka on Monday.
“This hub, designed as a multi-factory facility, will be set up on at least 10 acres of land and will allow multiple SMEs to co-locate, streamlining investment and driving efficiency,” said Mr. Khan.
He described the initiative as part of BGMEA’s broader push for sustainable industrial growth and inclusive participation in the apparel sector.
The BGMEA delegation, which also included Vice President Mijanur Rahman and other senior leaders, discussed a series of pressing issues affecting the RMG industry, including infrastructure constraints, high LNG import prices, energy access, and the need for low-cost finance.
The delegation particularly called for reforms in loan classification policies and a more supportive audit framework by the National Board of Revenue (NBR). “We urge BIDA to raise the matter of loan classification with Bangladesh Bank’s Governor,” said Mr. Rahman. “Entrepreneurs expect a transparent, discussion-based audit environment that supports, not stifles, industrial growth.”
Executive Chairman Ashik Mahmud described the RMG sector as a “pillar of Bangladesh’s economy” and assured that BIDA and BEZA would continue to support the sector through structured consultation and policy facilitation.