BGMEA election candidate Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu has proposed implementing a forced savings system to ensure garment workers receive timely wages during festivals like Eid.
The former BGMEA vice-president announced this initiative during a press conference on Sunday, where his forum announced a nine-point priority list for the country's RMG sector, including the establishment of a dedicated ministry.
He promised to implement the forced savings system if elected, saying that internal discussions have already taken place and the plan will be included in their election manifesto.
“The RMG sector typically processes workers' wages within the first seven working days. However, since festival dates like Eid are fixed, a small percentage of factories, less than 1% of operational units, occasionally struggle to make timely payments,” he explained.
“To address this issue, we are planning to introduce a forced savings system. Factories facing financial difficulties can access support from these forced savings. If necessary, we'll hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to gather input from all members,” Mahmud Hasan added.
Responding to journalists' questions, he said: “If I am elected, I will create a BGMEA that is accountable.”
Regarding fair pricing, he explained that it is highly dependent on the power of negotiation, planning, and balanced expansion.
“When there is a balance between demand and supply, negotiation power will subsequently increase. We must refrain from unplanned expansion. Moreover, the sector must introduce a floor price for RMG products to ensure fair pricing,” he added.
He also said that the government is working on LDC graduation, and they are ready to assist the government in this process.
The forum will propose that the government implement adequate reforms to the textile ministry, enabling it to serve as a ministry for the RMG sector as well.
They also promised to create a sustainable BGMEA, with priorities including additional policy support for SME entrepreneurs, elimination of bank and customs harassment, special policy support for struggling institutions, and finalization of an exit policy for businesses facing difficulties due to uncontrollable factors.
MA Rahim Feroz, former vice-president of BGMEA and vice-chairman of DBL Group; Foisal Samad, former vice-president and managing director of Surma Garments; ABM Shamsuddin, managing director of Hannan Group, were also present at the briefing.
The BGMEA election is scheduled for May 31, with 97 candidates from three panels competing for 35 director positions. Voting will take place at both the Dhaka and Chittagong centres.
Both the forum and the Sammilita Parishad have fielded full panels, while the Oikkya Parishad has six candidates. The remaining candidates are running independently.
