Photo: BGMEA

DHAKA, Oct 28, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan has urged the government to maintain a business-friendly environment to sustain competitiveness and also to ensure smooth transition from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

"The most urgent priorities now are creating a business-friendly environment, resolving the gas crisis, simplifying customs procedures, ensuring access to low-cost financing, and improving logistics,"
Mahmud made the call today at an emergency press conference held at the BGMEA Complex in the capital.

At the press conference, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan called upon the government to reconsider the decisions on the recently approved Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 and the increase in Chattogram Port charges citing that these would have a negative impact on the country's production-oriented industries. 

Mahmud noted that allowing participation in both the Provident Fund and the universal pension scheme "Progoti" under the approved labour law would create administrative complexity, increase costs, and cause disorder in fund management. In addition, the inclusion of officers and employees in the definition of "workers" could lead to confusion in company management and disrupt decision-making processes.

Mahmud Hasan Khan said, "Our competitor countries have already adopted investment-friendly policies by reforming technology and labour laws," he added.

Mahmud Hasan Khan mentioned that due to high bank interest rates, rising wages, increased fuel costs, reduced incentives, and higher port charges, operating costs have gone up. "In this situation, if LDC graduation proceeds as scheduled, we will lose competitiveness,"
He also urged the government to defer Bangladesh's LDC graduation by at least three years until adequate preparations are completed.

The BGMEA President also called upon the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, and his Advisory Council to take prompt and effective measures-considering the real needs of the industry and the global context-to build a stable and competitive economy for future generation.

Representatives from various federations and trade bodies were present at the press conference.