Rafiqul Islam new BGMEA president

FE REPORT

Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, managing director of Designtex Knitwear Ltd, has been elected as the president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

The board of the apparel trade body elected Mr Islam as the new president at an emergency meeting held at a city hotel on Saturday, after SM Mannan Kochi resigned as its president the same day, according to a statement.

Mr Kochi, on March 14, was elected BGMEA president for the term of 2024-26. Mr Islam will now serve as the chief of the apparel trade body for the remaining time.

Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, who was a senior vice president of BGMEA board, is now replaced by Abdullah Hil Rakib, managing director of 4A Yarn Dyeing LTd.

Asif Ashraf, managing director of Urmi Garments Ltd, who was a director of the existing board, was elected vice-president at the meeting.

Mr Kochi resigned from the post of president citing personal reasons and his illness, the statement added.

Mr Kochi is also the general secretary of the Dhaka North City Awami League.

Earlier on August 12, a group of BGMEA members demanded resignation of SM Mannan Kochi, and dissolution of the Board due to their controversial roles during the recent quota-reform student movement.

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