BGMEA And Bangladesh Army Discuss RMG Sector Security And Stability
In a significant step toward strengthening security in Bangladesh’s vital readymade garment (RMG) sector, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) held a high-level meeting with the Bangladesh Army at the BGMEA office.
The meeting was chaired by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and Major General Md. Moin Khan, OSP, ndc, psc, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander, Savar Area. Key attendees included BGMEA board members, factory heads, and senior officials from the Bangladesh Army, Industrial Police, DGFI, and NSI.
President Mahmud Hasan Khan lauded the Bangladesh Army for its steadfast role during past crises, acknowledging the joint forces’ contribution in safeguarding the garment sector. He expressed gratitude for the Army’s ongoing support.
Discussions centred around rising security concerns, including sudden worker strikes over illegitimate demands, road blockades, vandalism and orchestrated unrest in Export Processing Zones (EPZs). Factory owners voiced alarm over the spread of “jhut terrorism” — criminal gangs vying to control the textile waste sector, forming youth gangs and threatening industrial peace.
In response, Major General Moin Khan reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing that security must be supported by strong internal governance within factories. He announced that a comprehensive security master plan is in the works and proposed establishing a formal auction system for jhut to curtail criminal influence.
The GOC also urged factory owners to ensure wage transparency and punctual payment, which are essential for preventing labour dissatisfaction and aiding security agencies.
Additionally, the meeting explored the formation of a confederation of labour federations to foster long-term industrial harmony.
BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan (Babul), Vice Presidents Md. Rezwan Selim, Mijanur Rahman, Md. Shehab Udduza Chowdhury, and other board directors were present, underscoring the collective will to address the sector’s challenges collaboratively.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to protect and sustain the RMG industry — the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy.
