Khaleda raises voice for garment sector
Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia yesterday asked the government to ensure an adequate supply of energy to the garment industry and called for a sound law and order situation to maintain a healthy growth of the sector.
She also said it will be difficult for the textile sector to stay afloat if any anarchy takes place in the industrial sector.
"We are anxiously noticing that attempts are being made to create a chaotic situation in the garment sector. It is the government's responsibility to establish law and order. The sector is also going through a shortage of gas and power," Khaleda said.
The former prime minister was speaking at the closing ceremony of the three-day Bangladesh Apparel and Textile Exposition (BATEXPO) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre as the chief guest.
Khaleda, also the chairperson of BNP, said: "It's not a good sign for the industry that the government is playing hide-and-seek in the name of different stimulus packages."
She asked the garment factory owners to properly implement the newly introduced minimum wage for the workers.
The BNP chief also suggested that the government reintroduce the rationing system for garment workers and include some basic commodities such as lentil, coarse flour, edible oil and salt in the rationing system.
Khaleda demanded quick implementation of the proposed garment palli (garment village) at Gazaria in Munshiganj district.
She asked the government to reduce port and bank charges and bank interest rate for the garment sector.
She also called upon the government to help maintain a healthy inflow of working capital to the garment industry.
Suggesting product and market diversification, former commerce and industries minister MK Anwar said the country witnessed 10.77 percent growth in the manufacturing sector in fiscal 2005-06, which came down to 5.92 percent in 2009-10.
"We should expand the garment market to the Latin American countries," Anwar said.
Former commerce minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury urged the government to ensure smooth operations of Chitagong Port.
While chairing the closing session, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Abdus Salam Murshedy sought all-out cooperation from the opposition party in parliament.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith inaugurated the apparel fair on Thursday, where 87 companies of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and Brazil showcased products.
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