Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Tuesday sought soft loan facilities of around Tk1,900 crore from the government to recoup their recent losses due to general holidays and severe flood disrupting communication on key Dhaka-Chittagong highway.

A BGMEA delegation led by its President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam made the demand when it met with the Finance and Commerce Adviser to the interim government Dr Salehuddin Ahmed at his ERD office.

Following the meeting, Khandoker Rafiqul said that they sought such soft loan facilities from the Adviser for one month which could be repaid in one year.

“Besides, there were a couple of issues for discussions. We’re confident that if we work with the government, then we can move forward in the sector,” said the BGMEA President.

Besides, he said their loans are now being classified if any entrepreneur fails to pay three instalments in a row which was earlier six instalments.

“We’re demanding to make it six instalments again, while if it is made so, then it could be changed again when the situation becomes normal.”

Rafiqul Islam said that the Adviser was very much positive and assured the BGMEA of extending his highest cooperation.

“We’ve also assured him that if we can make a turnaround, then our exports will make a fast comeback…we just need cooperation from all, the foreign buyers have now trust and confidence in us as Bangladesh is stable now. We believe that more businesses will now move to Bangladesh,” he added.

Asked about the details of soft loans, the BGMEA president said that the RMG exporters and entrepreneurs could not operate in full swing over the last 15 to 16 days out of the last 45 days which were disrupted by student-led mass uprising and the post prevailing situation including severe flash floods following the ouster of Awami League government.

Responding to another question, Rafiqul said there is now no problem with the formation of a new committee of the BGMEA as the Ministry of Commerce had suggested to them to move forward the sector with current leadership.

He also informed that they would sit with the international buyers and brand forums this afternoon centering the current situation.