BGMEA complex not yet ready to serve members

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) might face difficulty in providing full-fledged services for its members at its new complex at Uttara, a group of makers said.

The office of the apparel apex body-BGMEA-remained closed on Saturday due to shifting of its furniture and other articles to the new complex, according to one of its circular.

BGMEA, in April last year, got one-year time from the Supreme Court for complying with its order to demolish its structure at Hatirjheel area.

BGMEA also submitted an undertaking to the apex court saying that they would comply with its earlier order for demolishing the building by April 12 this year.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on April 03 last through a videoconferencing inaugurated the BGMEA complex at Uttara.

Outgoing BGMEA president Md Siddiqur Rahman on Saturday told the FE that shifting is going on and BGMEA will continue its official activities in the new five-storey building, which will be developed to a 13-storey two-tower building with two basements.

When asked, he said two floors of the complex are ready and there would be no problem in running BGMEA's activities.

Responding to another question about the BGMEA new board of directors-elect over their move to appeal to get more time to shift, he said he had no idea about the issue.

Few members of BGMEA new board of directors said their lawyer has already made an appeal for further time extension to relocate its office.

The BGMEA new board of directors led by president-elect Dr Rubana Huq, however, is scheduled to take charge on April 20.

A couple of new BGMEA elected leaders said BGMEA cannot function without the presence of Export Promotion Bureau and banks and so far none of these facilities has started.

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