Forum, a panel contending for the upcoming election to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), has announced the name of ABM Shamsuddin, chairman of Hannan group, as the panel leader.
The incumbent BGMEA President, Rubana Huq, will also contest the election as a member of the panel.
The announcement was made at a programme held at a city hotel on Saturday.
The BGMEA elections for 2021-23 will be held on April 04.
Two panels -- Forum and Sammilita Parishad -- usually compete in the elections to the apex body of the apparel sector.
Rubana Huq, former BGMEA presidents Anisur Rahman Sinha and Anwarul Alam Chowdhury, and other former leaders Benazir Ahmed and Khondaker Belayet Hossain, among others, were present at the event.
A presentation featuring the successes of present BGMEA board led by Ms Huq was given at the programme.
The successes included the introduction of order cancellation monitoring portal, the formation of RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) that replaced Accord, raising awareness about barriers and challenges facing the RMG sector through social and international media, publication of BGMEA Sustainability Report and ensuring disbursement of government incentives and assistance during the covid-19 pandemic.
Some 400 garment exporters who attended the event reaffirmed their cooperation in ensuring the continuity of the success.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shamsuddin said the garment sector of the country is now in a critical juncture.
Although the most anticipated Covid-19 vaccine is now available, 2021 will be a troublesome year for them, he said.
"We've got numerous hurdles to overcome. The first and foremost is the fall in prices," he said, adding that they would have to fight together against it.
"We must not show any weaknesses that buyers can leverage."
In the last four years, the price declined by 4.75 per cent on average, he said.
"Despite having green factories, we are not getting fair prices," Mr Shamsuddin said and stressed the need for sustainable buying practices to ensure sustainability.
"We have to keep in mind that the future is for Bangladesh, because Ethiopia is facing political uncertainty, Cambodia has lost GSP facility, Myanmar is also in turmoil and Vietnam will not be able to set up factories overnight," he noted.
Bangladesh is, therefore, the ultimate sourcing destination for garments, he said, adding: "We've got to be ready to reap the benefit."
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