Bizbd Report: Match 29, 2024: Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) is going to hold its election, for the first time, to choose its leaders for making the organisation smart and dynamic to provide all-out support to its members to overcome the existing challenges and march forward.

To compete the election for the 2024-26 term, a panel titled Election for Unity was announced in a programme on March 28.

Former BGAPMEA President Abdul Kader Khan announced the panel name and panel leader.

Md Shahriar, managing director of Adzi Trims Ltd, a sister concern of Indet Group, will lead the panel in the next election to be held on May 11, 2024.

Former presidents of BGAPMEA Rafez Alam Chowdhury, Iqbal Hossain, Safiullah Chowdhury, among others, were present at the programme.

Shahriar is a former director of BGAPMEA, as well as co-chairman of Backward Linkage at the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and general secretary of Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Association (BAYLA).

“The sector is growing, but we are suffering due to proper leadership. We have to survive and overcome the challenges for further growth,” said former President of BGAPMEA Rafez Alam Chowdhury.

Customs- and tax-related issues are creating problems in doing business, he said, adding that to deal with these types of issues, the sector needs dynamic leadership.

“And I hope Shahriar is capable enough,” he said.

“It is high time to bring the second generation into leadership, as the sector has matured and is going global in new areas,” said Shahidullah Azim, vice president of BGMEA.

The garment accessories sector plays a pivotal role in ready-made garment (RMG) exports and helps reduce lead time in supplying goods, said Mohammad Hatem, executive president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association.