Contenders urge political parties to shun violence to salvage sector

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FE Report Leaders of the two panels contesting the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) election-2013-14 have called upon all political parties to come forward for resolving the ongoing crisis to save the country's apparel sector. They also demanded of the political parties to find out an alternative programme to hartal (general strike) for the greater interest of the country's economy. The appeal came Thursday night at their separate projection meetings held at two city hotels. The election is scheduled to be held tomorrow (Sunday). During the meeting, candidates of the two panels made different promises to the readymade garment (RMG) owners for the development of the sector. President candidate of the Forum panel Mahmud Hasan Khan termed hartal a 'totally non-productive' programme, saying all concerned should come out of such kind of destructive political course of action. "We have to be more cautious so that we would not lose our apparel market due to the ongoing political crisis," he added. Mahmud Hasan Khan, who is leading the 27-member Forum panel for the election, said they will take initiative to save sick industries by providing necessary assistance without shutting them down. There is no concrete database of the total employment of the garment sector but it is very necessary for a sound industry, he said adding: "It is impossible to take any decision without having any concrete database." Chairman of Betupy Group Reza Ali, MP, former minister Major (Retd) MA Mannan and Chairman of New Age Group ASM Kashem spoke at the meeting, among others. Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, MP, presided over the projection meeting while Benozir Ahmed moderated it. Meanwhile, in his speech President candidate of Sammilito Parishad Atiqul Islam said if they can win the polls, their panel will take necessary steps to resolve the crisis through discussion with the political parties. "No hartal is acceptable for the sake of business and economy… both the groups must sit for an immediate dialogue to find a way out," Atiqul Islam, also Managing Director of Islam Garments Ltd, said. Atiqul Islam, who is leading the 27-member Sammilito Parishad panel for the election, also sought support from all political parties for all stages from import of raw materials to shipment of apparel items. If elected, Mr Islam said, they will give priority to areas like infrastructure development, resolving ongoing gas and electricity crises, ensuring workers' safety, enhancement of workers' efficiency and productivity, taking care of environmental issues and exploring new markets. "All the Sammilito Parishad panel members - both former and present - are committed and ready to work for the development of the country's RMG sector," BGMEA former president Abdus Salam Murshedy said while introducing Atiqul Islam, who got global awards from renowned buyer Wal-mart on several occasions. BGMEA President Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, former president Tipu Munshi, vice presidents Faruque Hassan, Md Siddiqur Rahman and SM Mannan Kochi, among others, were present during the event.