Leaders and members of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) remembered former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, describing her as a true friend of the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry.
The memorial meeting and doa mahfil were held in the afternoon at the Nurul Qader Auditorium of the BGMEA Complex in Uttara on Monday.
Speaking at the programme, BGMEA Acting President Selim Rahman said Khaleda Zia was a steadfast leader and a visionary statesperson who played a crucial role in nurturing the garment sector during its formative years.
“Khaleda Zia was uncompromising in her leadership and farsighted in her policies. She was a true friend of our garment industry. In the early 1990s, when this sector was still in its infancy, she made our journey easier by extending major facilities and cash incentives,” he said.
He noted that during Khaleda Zia’s tenure in government, Bangladesh’s RMG exports crossed the $1 billion mark for the first time.
Selim Rahman also recalled her leadership during the critical period following the abolition of the global quota system in 2004.
“At that challenging time, she took the right decision by forming a National Coordination Committee, which helped the garment industry emerge stronger in the global market,” he said.
He added that Khaleda Zia placed her trust in BGMEA by empowering it to issue UD and UP certificates, significantly accelerating business operations.
“Through the introduction of a free-market economy, reduction of business costs, trade facilitation and the launch of stipends for female education, she brought about a transformative change,” he said.
BGMEA senior vice-president Inamul Haq Khan, vice-presidents Md Rezaowan Selim, Mizanur Rahman and Md Shihab Uddoza Chowdhury and director Shah Raid Chowdhury, among others, were present at the memorial meeting.
According to a BGMEA press release, the programme began with brief speeches by former BGMEA president Kazi Moniruzzaman and BGMEA director Rashid Ahmed Hossaini.
A special video documentary highlighting the life and contributions of the late Khaleda Zia was also screened.
The event concluded with a special prayer seeking eternal peace for her departed soul and welfare for the country and the nation.
