TDS Desk:

Businessmen representing the garment industry have sought security for goods-carrying vehicles on roads and highways, citing unnecessary delays in the loading and unloading of goods at Chittagong port, which impacts industry competitiveness.

They also highlighted delays in clearing goods at Dhaka Airport and requested that the Army step in to expedite these processes.

The traders urged the Army-led Joint Task Force to visit recently vandalized factories to restore confidenc among entrepreneurs and workers.

A meeting was organized on Sunday under the initiative of BGMEA to address the issue of ensuring the smooth operation of all industrial factories in Bangladesh, including the garment sector.

Bangladesh Army’s GOC 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander, Savar area held the meeting with the representatives of BGMEA, FBCCI, BTMA, and other business organizations and representatives of law enforcement agencies, according to BGMEA.

The meeting took place at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka.

Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, acting President of BGMEA, represented the trade associations while GOC Major General Md. Moin Khan, NDC, PSC represented the the 9th Infantry Division.

Attendees from BGMEA included First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice Presidents Md. Nasir Uddin, Abdullah Hill Rakib, and Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, as well as other directors.

The FBCCI was represented by President Mahbubul Alam, while Javed Akhtar, President of the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICI), and Md. Fazlul Haque, President (In charge) of BTMA, were also present.

Additionally, Helal Uddin, President of the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, along with representatives from various trade organizations and business leaders, participated in the meeting.

The meeting also included Industrial Police Additional IGP Md. Mahbubur Rahman, BPM-Bar, PPM, Army Task Force Commander Colonel Abu Mohammad Mohiuddin, BGBM (Bar), PBGM, MPhil, and representatives from BGB and RAB.

Khandoker Rafiqul Islam praised the Bangladesh Army for its patience and effective support during recent national crises and its role in the country’s economic recovery.

He noted that with the Army’s direct cooperation, 99.89% of factories in Gazipur, 99.51% in Savar-Ashulia and Dhamrai, 100% in Narayanganj, 100% in DMP areas, and 100% of garment factories in Chittagong have resumed operations.

The meeting also addressed various law and order issues affecting industrial factories.

Concerns were raised about criminal activities regarding establishing dominance over jhut trade in garment-dominated industrial areas.

These groups, which are involved in the “Jhut” sector, have created young gangs that disrupt the working environment, harass factory owners and workers, and hold the garment industry hostage.

The garment traders called for the Army’s assistance in overcoming these challenges.

Major General Md. Moin Khan assured that the Army’s priority is to support the industry’s recovery as it is the backbone of the economy.

He mentioned that the task force has already been deployed to ensure security in Savar and Ashulia and is responding quickly to incidents.

Through the deployment of a “quick reaction force,” teams are able to reach incidents swiftly and provide assistance as needed.

As a result, the number of complaints in these areas decreased on the second day compared to the first.

Major General Moin Khan requested BGMEA leaders to provide information on active criminals involved in jhut business operations.

He assured the business leaders of addressing issues at Chittagong Port and Dhaka Airport to improve cargo handling efficiency.

WhatsApp groups will be created to facilitate rapid problem resolution in industrial areas.

He assured that the Bangladesh Army stands ready to support the industry against any threats that may damage factories.