DHAKA, Nov 20, 2025 (BSS) - A significant milestone has been achieved in 
developing a modern, future-ready workforce skilled in advanced technologies 
for Bangladesh's apparel industry, through the joint collaboration of the 
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the 
government's Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program 
(SICIP).

Certificates were formally awarded to 1,175 promising trainees who 
successfully completed specialized training under this joint initiative at a 
ceremony held today at the Nurul Quader Auditorium of the BGMEA Complex. 

The trainees, all graduates from various academic institutions, have been 
equipped with industry-relevant skills aligned with the technological 
transformation underway in the apparel sector.

BGMEA President and Chairperson of the SICIP-BGMEA Project Mahmud Hasan Khan 
attended the event as the chief guest and handed over certificates to the 
participants. In the second session, BGMEA Senior Vice-President Enamul Haque 
Khan also distributed certificates among the trainees.

The event was presided over by BGMEA Vice-President and member of the SICIP-
BGMEA Project Committee Md. Shihab Uddoja Chowdhury while BGMEA Director and 
SICIP-BGMEA Project Committee Member Rumana Rashid attended as special guest.

BGMEA Director and Project Committee Member Majumdar Arifur Rahman delivered 
the keynote speech, said a press release.

BGMEA Directors Nafis-ud-Doula and Kazi Mizanur Rahman, along with 
chairpersons of various standing committees were also present.

The programme was conducted by Munir Chowdhury, chief coordinator of the 
SICIP-BGMEA Project.

At the beginning of the ceremony, BGMEA President and SICIP-BGMEA Project 
Chairperson Mahmud Hasan Khan was presented with a token of appreciation by 
three Project Committee members-BGMEA Vice-President Md. Shihab Uddoja 
Chowdhury, Director Majumdar Arifur Rahman and Director Rumana Rashid.

Speaking as the chief guest, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said 
production costs in the industry continue to rise due to various global and 
domestic factors while product prices are not increasing accordingly. In such 
circumstances, skill development is essential to remain competitive in the 
global market.

He noted that the apparel industry is shifting focus from basic garment 
manufacturing to industrial engineering. "Today, design tools such as apparel 
design software, 3D designing software, computer-aided manufacturing and 
digital printing technology are widely used. I encourage all trainees to 
engage deeply in these emerging fields," the BGMEA head added.

He described the certified trainees as "the future architects of the 
industry," and emphasized that they will play a vital role as change-makers 
in advancing digital transformation.

In his keynote presentation, BGMEA Director Majumdar Arifur Rahman 
highlighted the overall progress of the SICIP-BGMEA initiative. 

He said that the Ministry of Finance's Finance Division, SICIP and BGMEA have 
been working together since 2024 with the goal of training 10,000 individuals 
for the apparel sector. 

Currently, 12 courses are being offered across 20 training centers.

He noted the following achievements under the programme: Certification 
completion rate stands at 81.42 percent; At least 65 percent of trainees are 
being supported with employment opportunities; Female participation has 
reached 52 percent-significantly higher than the government's target of 30 
percent.

SICIP (Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program) is a 
flagship initiative of the government of Bangladesh aimed at enhancing 
industrial skills, competitiveness and innovation. 

The programme is financed and technically supported by the Asian Development 
Bank (ADB) and implemented under the Ministry of Finance's Finance Division. 

BGMEA serves as the key partner for delivering sector-specific training for 
the ready-made garment industry.