DHAKA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) – A delegation from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) met with Finance Secretary Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder today to request urgent policy and financial assistance to navigate the current crisis facing the country’s readymade garment (RMG) industry. 

The delegation, led by BGMEA Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoja Chowdhury, highlighted that the industry is at a critical juncture due to global economic instability and domestic challenges. 

According to the BGMEA, apparel export growth declined by 2.43% during the first seven months of the current fiscal year, while growth from October to December 2025 dropped by an average of 9.43% compared to the same period in the previous year.

The industry leaders noted that approximately 400 garment factories have shut down over the last year due to rising production costs, decreasing product prices, and a reduction in orders. Many more factories are currently at risk of closure.

The delegation raised concerns regarding the months of February and March, noting that the upcoming national election, government holidays, and Eid-ul-Fitr will reduce the number of working days to just 35 out of 60. 

Despite this reduction, factories will face a doubled wage burden in March due to the requirement to pay regular salaries, festival bonuses, and advance wages. 

The BGMEA warned that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable, and a lack of banking support could lead to industrial unrest, which would be detrimental to the overall economy.

To address these challenges, the BGMEA urged the government to expedite the release of pending cash incentives currently being processed by Lien banks and Bangladesh Bank to improve factory cash flow.

They also called upon the government to provide soft loans or low-interest loans equivalent to six months of wages to ensure the timely payment of salaries and bonuses to workers.

The Finance Secretary listened to the proposals and provided positive assurances that necessary steps would be taken to address the situation. 

The delegation also included BGMEA Vice President Md. Rezwan Selim, Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, and Director Faisal Samad.