Economy
BGMEA Hosts Inaugural Career Summit & Fest 2023 to Bridge Opportunities in RMG Sector
In a pioneering move, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA) launched the two-day BGMEA Career Summit & Fest 2023 with fervor on Saturday. Held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, the event, supported by BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT), aims to connect graduates with opportunities within the ready-made garment (RMG) industry.
Faruque Hassan, BGMEA President, inaugurated the summit as the chief guest, marking the occasion with the presence of distinguished guests including Prof. Dr. S. M. Mahfuzur Rahman, Vice Chancellor of BUFT, Asif Ashraf, Director, BGMEA, Shafiur Rahman, Regional Operations Manager at G-Star RAW, and Md. Shafiqur Rahman, President of the Institution of Textile Engineers and Technologists.
Shahidullah Azim, BGMEA Vice President, welcomed attendees, and Abdullah Hil Rakib, BGMEA Director, moderated the event. The summit attracted more than 100 prominent RMG companies, providing a platform for graduates and students from various universities to explore career opportunities.
Industry experts, including leaders from participating companies, shared valuable insights during sessions on career prospects within the RMG sector. The summit also serves as a networking hub and allows job seekers to submit their CVs directly to BGMEA for potential recruitment by member factories.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan encouraged graduates to seize the opportunities presented by the summit, emphasizing the importance of learning, networking, and aligning skills with global market demands. He urged students to embrace new opportunities in the era of disruptive technologies and artificial intelligence, envisioning a future that contributes to personal growth and the sustainability of Bangladesh’s RMG sector.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
