The Forum panel contesting the upcoming election of the BGMEA for the term of 2021-23 would give top priority to ensuring RMG workers’ safety amid the emergence of second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, its leader ABM Shamsuddin said.
"If elected, we will work to ensure workers’ safety as safety comes first, and then comes business,” he told The Financial Express in an interview ahead of the election of the BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) scheduled for April 04.
If RMG (ready-made garment) workers are protected, the industry will also be safe, said Mr Shamsuddin, also a former vice president of BGMEA and chairman of Hannan Group, adding that health safety involves costs.
His panel, if elected, will work to reduce business operating costs to safeguard the $28 billion RMG industry and ensure its capability, he said.
Branding or image of the industry will automatically develop if workers are safe, Mr Shamsuddin believes.
Thirteen parts of Forum’s core election manifesto include taking measures towards fair price and buyers' accountability, protection and efficiency of the industry, technological efficiency, LDC (least developed country) graduation, skills and innovation, sustainability and SDGs (sustainable development goals), labour welfare and a cleaner and efficient BGMEA.
