DHAKA, Aug 26, 2025 (BSS) - A delegation of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), led by its President Mahmud Hasan Khan held a meeting today with Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur at the central bank.

The discussion centered on the disruption to apparel exporters' financial operations caused by several banks.

The BGMEA delegation included Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoja Chowdhury, Directors Mohammad Abdur Rahim, Fahima Akter, and A.B.M. Shamsuddin; Chairman of Rio Design Ltd. Md. Haruq Ahmed; Managing Director of O'Dell Apparels Ltd. Shah Mohammad Mohit; Managing Director of Day Apparels Ltd. Anwar Hossain Patwary; and Managing Director of AKH Fashions Ltd. Shamsul Alam.

During the meeting, the BGMEA President elaborated on the multifaceted challenges that the apparel exporters are now facing due to the issues in five banks, said a BGMEA press release.

Mahmud stated that these banks, facing liquidity shortages, are failing to release export proceeds (repatriated export earnings) to exporters on time and are also unable to open new Letters of Credit (LCs). 

As a result, many garment factories are suffering from heavy financial losses, making it increasingly difficult to continue regular business and export operations. 

In particular, the inability of factories to pay workers' wages and allowances on time is fueling workers' dissatisfaction.

The BGMEA President further pointed out that this situation is seriously tarnishing Bangladesh's image in the international stage and thus eroding foreign buyers' confidence in the country.

The BGMEA leaders also cautioned that unless swift measures are taken to resolve the crisis, many factories may soon become sick industries, resulting in mass job losses and exposing the country's top export sector to further risk.

The BGMEA President also urged the Governor of Bangladesh Bank to take immediate and effective measures to address this situation.

The central bank Governor gave a patient hearing to the delegation's concerns and assured them of taking prompt steps. 

He said that immediate steps would be taken to ensure that customers of those banks receive their due payments, thereby meeting the urgent financial needs of the exporters.
 
Dr Mansur also affirmed that necessary measures would follow to secure a permanent solution to the problem.

The BGMEA President expressed his optimism that the issue would be resolved soon restoring stability in the apparel sector.