Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Monday urged the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to allocate at least 10 acres of land at a symbolic cost in Chattogram to establish an integrated garment industrial complex.

BGMEA president Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu made the request made during a courtesy meeting held at BIDA’s headquarters in Dhaka, where a BGMEA delegation met with Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA, Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmood Bin Harun.

The proposed facility aims to bring small and medium-sized garment factories under one roof, enabling cost efficiency, easier access to investment, and improved competitiveness.

During the meeting, BGMEA president also outlined several challenges currently impacting the readymade garment (RMG) sector, including global geopolitical tensions, retaliatory US tariffs, India’s suspension of transshipment, high interest rates and frequent hikes in utility prices.

‘These are creating significant obstacles for the industry,’ Babu said, stressing the need for BIDA’s proactive support to ensure sustainable growth.

BGMEA president also called for government support in renewable energy adoption and textile waste recycling.

He proposed incentives and technical assistance for solar panel installations in factories, tax exemptions for recycling initiatives, and regulatory recognition of informal workers involved in circular economy efforts.

BGMEA sought simplified VAT and tax policies for the recycling sub-sector.

In terms of financial reforms, BGMEA requested an extension of the loan classification grace period from three to six months and proposed outsourcing the bond audit process to 20 accredited firms to reduce delays and business disruptions.

The establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Textiles and Apparel, separate from the Ministry of Commerce, was also recommended to better address sector-specific needs.

In response, the BIDA Chairman acknowledged the importance of BGMEA’s proposals and assured the formation of a joint committee within a week to develop an actionable work plan.

He praised the RMG sector’s contribution to national growth and reaffirmed BIDA’s commitment to facilitating investment and strengthening public-private partnerships.

Also present were BGMEA Vice-President (Finance) Md Mijanur Rahman, Vice-President Vidya Amrit Khan and Director Samiha Azim.

From the BIDA and BEZA side, Executive Member (Investment Ecosystem) Md Mokhlesur Rahman and BEZA Executive Member Saleh Ahmed attended the meeting.

The BIDA Chairman also extended formal congratulations to the newly elected BGMEA Board for the 2025–2027 term.