Online Desk: Forum, a panel contesting the upcoming BGMEA election, made a flurry of promises on Wednesday with priority to develop small and medium enterprises, and push for a separate ministry.

It has also pledged to take measures with an eye to diversifying both products and market.

The election to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is scheduled for March 09 for the 2024-26 term.

If elected, it will work to ensure accountability of buyers, their registration with the BGMEA, develop non-traditional markets, ensure industrial safety, establish labour rights and protect the environment.

The panel will also work to formulate a policy for the sick garment industry and a safe exit policy.

Faisal Samad, the leader of the Forum panel, made this announcement in their election manifesto at a press conference hosted at a city hotel.

Mr Samad said he would launch an economic recovery plan (ERP) in the garment sector.

Fortifying the compliances and the easing of rules in the garment business are also in their manifesto.

The Forum will also work to improve the image of the garment sector and to help overcoming the challenges of post-LDC trade, according to Mr Samad.

It is also committed to working for gaining the GSP Plus after the graduation of the country in 2026. The Forum’s commitment included introducing digital ID cards for the mid-level officials of the factories and bringing the bond management automation.

It will also lobby with the government to continue the existing cash incentive until 2026 and bring down tax at source at 0.50 per cent.

Using the new technologies in production, bringing more transparency and accountability in the BGMEA, the Forum said in its manifesto.

The BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT), which is currently run by a trustee board, would be brought back to BGMEA, pledged Mr Samad.

Sammilita Parishad, another panel, announced its election manifesto on February 25.

It prioritised making a unified code of conduct for maintaining social, labour and safety compliance audits, cutting down lending rate to a single digit and introducing a special exchange rate of dollar for garment exporters.