Global apparel retailers call for an end to political stalemate

Voicing concern over the country's ongoing political turmoil, leading global apparel retailers Monday called for an immediate solution to the stalemate for the sake of uninterrupted supply of readymade garment (RMG) products.

They made the call at a Buyers' Forum Meeting held at a city hotel where representatives of 65 apparel brands, including Inditex, Walmart, H&M, C&A Tesco and GAP as well as local apparel makers were present.  

Responding to their demands, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed assured the retailers of the government's all-out security arrangements for smooth supply of the products.

He informed the buyers that the activities in the apparel industry went on 'as usual' although transport costs for both finished and raw materials went up due to the ongoing political unrest.  

"The BNP and political allies are engaged in militant activities in the name of hartal and blockade, but they won't be able to hinder the economic growth," he told the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Atiqul Islam said the ongoing political unrest is taking its toll on local apparel industry at a time when the global retailers have started placing more orders after the collapse of Rana Plaza.

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