The
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is
one of the largest trade associations in the country representing the
readymade garment industry, particularly the woven garments, knitwear
and sweater sub-sectors with equal importance. Starting its journey
in 1983 today BGMEA takes care of an industry that is at the backbone
of Bangladesh’s economy. Since the inception, BGMEA is dedicated to
promote and facilitate the apparel industry through policy advocacy
to the government, services to members, ensuring workers’ rights
and social compliance at factories.
BGMEA
works with the vision to develop the RMG industry of Bangladesh and
the economy of the country. Having such vision BGMEA chalked out the
following missions and its strategic direction is paved accordingly –
Firstly,
to protect and promote the interests of the industry; thus ensuring a
sustained growth in the foreign exchange earnings of the country.
Secondly,
BGMEA is ccommitted to ensure all legitimate rights and privileges of
the garment workers. The association also strives toward the
betterment of the society and environment.
BGMEA
is being run by a 27-member elected Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors is elected for a two-year term. Four Vice Presidents having
important portfolios, along with a secretariat of experienced
officials, assists the President in formulating and executing vital
policies and programs of the organization. The President is the
highest executive authority of the association. The Board of
Directors takes assistance from different Standing Committees headed
by a Chairman and composed of members having vast experience in the
related fields. Strict adherence to democratic norms and code of
conduct are being maintained in the BGMEA elections, which has been
regarded as a trend setter in trade body elections of Bangladesh for
its pre-election projection caucus and election-day discipline.
BGMEA
started with only 12 members in 1978 and presently has around 5150
member factories. Around 40% of BGMEA member factories are knitwear
and sweater manufactures, and the rest 60% are woven garment
manufactures. BGMEA member factories account for 100% woven garment
exports of the country and more than 95% of sweater exports, while
around half of the light knitwear exports are made by them.
