The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel could pose a new challenge for Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector, as a potential rise in global oil prices may drive up local operational costs, warned the newly elected president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu.

He made the remarks on Monday during the BGMEA’s charge handover and takeover ceremony held at its office in Uttara, Dhaka.

‘The Iran-Israel conflict could pose a new challenge for the local garment industry, potentially leading to a rise in global oil prices. Sustaining competitiveness amid such a situation could be very challenging,’ Babu said.

The newly elected BGMEA board of directors led by its president Mahmud Hasan Khan took charge of the trade body for the term of 2025-2027.

The outgoing administrator Anwar Hossain and the members of Support Committee of BGMEA handed over the responsibility to Banbu and the new board.

The new office bearers included first vice-president Salim Rahman, senior-vice president Inamul Haq Khan and vice-presidents Mijanur Rahman, Md Rezwan Selim, Vidiya Amrit Khan, Md Sehab Udduza Chowdhury, and Mohammad Rafique Chowdhury.

The other Board of Directors from Dhaka are Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Mohammed Abdur Rahim, Faisal Samad, Md Hasib Uddin, Mohammed Abdus Salam, Nafis-Ud-Doula, Sumaiya Islam, Fahima Akhter, Majumdar Arifur Rahman, Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Sheikh Hossain Muhammad Mustafiz, Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Joarder Mohammed Hosne Quamar Alam, A B M Shamsuddin, Asef Kamal Pasha,  Rashid Ahamed Hossaini, Faruque Hassan, Rumana Rashid, Mohammed Sohel, Samiha Azim while Directors from Chattogram included M Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Syed Mohammed Tanvir, Sakeef Ahmed Salam, Md Shaif Ullah Mansur, Enamul Aziz Chowdhury, SM Abu Tayyab and Rakibul Alam Chowdhury.