DHAKA, Aug 13, 2025 (BSS) - A delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka met 
with Mahmud Hasan Khan, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and 
Exporters Association (BGMEA), at BGMEA Complex in Dhaka today.

During the meeting, various issues of mutual interest were discussed, with a 
particular focus on strengthening bilateral trade relations between the 
United States and Bangladesh.

The discussions centered around increasing exports of Bangladeshi ready-made 
garments (RMG) to the U.S. market and enhancing overall economic cooperation.

The U.S. Embassy delegation included Labour Attach, Leena Khan, Foreign 
Commercial Service Attach, Paul G. Frost, Foreign Agricultural Service 
Attach and Erin Covert.

From BGMEA, Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, Vice President Md. Rezwan 
Selim, Vice President (Finance) Mijanur Rahman, Vice President Vidiya Amrit 
Khan, Directors Mohammad Abdur Rahim, Faisal Samad, and Sheikh Hossain 
Muhammad Mustafiz, said a press release.

A key topic of the meeting was a recent U.S. executive order that allows 
garments exported from Bangladesh to be proportionately exempt from a newly 
imposed additional 20% duty, provided that at least 20% of the raw materials 
used in these garments are sourced from the United States.

Welcoming the initiative, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said that the 
Bangladesh apparel industry is highly interested in utilizing this facility.

The BGMEA leaders requested the U.S. delegation for clarity on the formula 
for calculating U.S. raw material usage and mechanisms to ensure transparency 
and traceability throughout the supply chain. They also sought the embassy's 
cooperation in this regard.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of establishing a warehouse near 
Chattogram Port to expedite cotton imports from the United States. It was 
mentioned that this could be set up as a Bangladeshi initiative, a U.S. 
initiative, or a joint venture. It was further noted that the warehouse would 
help reduce lead time in the garment industry.

In addition to cotton, the BGMEA leaders expressed interest in importing man-
made fibers such as polyester and nylon from the United States (if produced 
by the U.S. textile sector). They requested more detailed information on this 
from the U.S. Embassy. In response, Foreign Commercial Service Attach, Paul 
G. Frost said they would talk to relevant U.S. government departments and 
provide further details.

The meeting also discussed potential collaboration between BGMEA and the U.S. 
Cotton Council. Paul G. Frost mentioned that the embassy would discuss this 
with the U.S. government's textile department and provide feedback to BGMEA.
Issues regarding the domestic gas and electricity situation were also 
discussed. BGMEA leaders expressed hope that Bangladesh would be able to 
import LNG gas from the United States in the future.

The issue of labour rights got due attention during the meeting. BGMEA 
President Mahmud Hasan Khan said that maintaining stable labour conditions in 
the garment sector is a top priority.

He informed the U.S. delegation that since taking office, his board has 
engaged in dialogue with 81 workers' federations to establish harmonious 
industrial relations. He also briefed the delegation on the progress of legal 
reforms aimed at ensuring labour rights and welfare.

The U.S. delegation emphasized that aligning Bangladesh's labour laws with 
international standards is an international expectation, supported by the 
ILO, the European Union, and others. BGMEA leaders stressed the importance of 
maintaining close communication with the U.S. Embassy on labor-related 
matters to ensure clarity and avoid any misunderstandings.

The U.S. side encouraged BGMEA to participate in SelectUSA, a major U.S. 
investment promotion event scheduled for May 2026, as an avenue to expand 
exports and build networks with American buyers.

Both parties expressed optimism about strengthening future economic 
partnerships and mutual cooperation between the two countries.

BSS/PR/GM/BZC/2211HRS