Economy
BGMEA Urges Customs Efficiency for Swift RMG Industry Solutions
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called for expediting customs-related procedures, with a specific emphasis on the swift clearance of import-export goods. The delegation, led by BGMEA President Faruque Hassan, conveyed this message during a meeting with Mohammad Fyzur Rahman, Commissioner of Custom House in Chattogram.
The discussions primarily revolved around key concerns related to customs procedures that have a direct impact on the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh. BGMEA leaders, including First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice Presidents Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Md. Nasir Uddin, Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, former Director Anjan Shekhar Das, and Chairs of various BGMEA Standing Committees, engaged in a comprehensive dialogue.
Faruque Hassan, in particular, stressed the critical role of reducing lead time in the highly competitive global market. He highlighted the pivotal significance of maintaining competitiveness in the fashion industry and urged Customs House to take immediate measures for smoother and faster services, especially in the clearance of export-import goods.
During the meeting, President Faruque shed light on the challenges currently faced by the RMG industry, considering the prevailing global economic situation. The BGMEA delegation sought essential support and cooperation from Customs House to address these challenges effectively.
In response, Customs Commissioner Mohammad Fyzur Rahman attentively listened to the concerns raised by the BGMEA leaders. He assured them that Customs House would collaborate and provide the necessary support to address the challenges faced by the RMG industry, promising to work towards expediting customs procedures and ensuring swift clearance of goods.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday paid tribute to the Armed Forces Division by placing a floral wreath at its headquarters.
Prof Yunus, who visited the division as part of his official duties, laid the wreath to honor the sacrifices and dedication of the members of the Armed Forces.
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, he signed the visitor’s book.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal, along with four other election commissioners, announced their resignation during a press conference today at the Election Commission (EC) building. The resignation follows growing speculation and pressure.
CEC Awal stated, “In this changed situation, I and other commissioners have decided to step down. We’re handing over our resignation letters to the EC Secretary to send it to the President.” After submitting the letters, the CEC and some commissioners quickly left the premises, with no clear explanation for the absence of two election commissioners.
The resignations come amid increasing unrest tied to the registration of political parties such as Nagarik Oikya and Gono Odhikar Parishad. Sources revealed the CEC felt unsafe due to aggressive behavior from activists, prompting the decision to step down.
Protesters outside the EC building hurled shoes at vehicles carrying Election Commissioners Rashida Sultana, Md Alamgir, and Anisur Rahman as they left. Meanwhile, preparations for their exit had already been underway, with the commissioners reportedly relocating personal belongings from their offices.
The commission, appointed in February 2022 for a five-year term, had previously expressed confusion over demands for their resignation, maintaining they had conducted fair elections. However, internal discussions led to the collective decision to resign earlier than expected.
The government will now purchase LNG from the international spot market through open tender instead of negotiation.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in a meeting on Wednesday in principle approved a proposal in this regard.
Adviser of the interim government for Finance Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, who presided over the meeting, said that the government will procure LNG through open tender.
The Energy and Mineral Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources placed the proposal where it sought approval to import LNG from 23 listed companies in the international spot market.
The adviser said that though such 23 companies were enlisted by the previous Awami League government and signed Master Sales and Purchase Agreement, they will remain unchanged.
He said that instead of applying the Speedy Increase of Energy and Power Supply (Special) Act 2010, the interim government will follow the Public Procurement Rules 2008 to ensure the competitive bidding process.
“We don’t want to change them as we wanted to import LNG quickly, ensuring proper competition among the suppliers,” he told reporters.
Committee also approved another proposal in principle to sign a contract to import urea fertiliser for the 2024-25 fiscal year from Fertiglobe Distribution Limited, UAE, on a G-to-G basis.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Government Procurement (CCGP) in a meeting, presided over by the Adviser for Finance, approved 3 proposals for import of lentil and fertiliser.
As per the proposal, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh will procure 10,000 metric tons (MT) of lentil from local firm Sahara Enterprise at a cost of Tk 98.20 crore with each kg priced at Tk 98.20.
The Commerce Ministry which moved the proposal on behalf of the TCB in the meeting mentioned in the proposal that the supplier firm was selected through open tender.
The CCGP approved two separate proposals of the Industries Ministry under which Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation will import 30,000 MT of bulk granular urea fertiliser from Fertiglobe Distribution Limited, UAE, under state to state contract at a cost of Tk 121.48 crore.
Each metric ton of fertiliser will cost $343.17.
Another 30,000 MT of bagged granular urea fertiliser will be procured from the local Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (Kafco) at a cost of Tk 116.99 crore with each metric ton costing $330.50.
