Online Desk:  Textiles and Jute Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak today said ready-made garment (RMG) industry is playing an important role in social change alongside being the highest foreign currency earning sector in the country.

“Garment industry is playing a key role in eliminating poverty . . . nearly 42 lakh workers are involved with the ready-made garment industry,” he made the comments when a BGMEA delegation called on him at his ministry, an official release said.

Newly elected President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) SM Mannan, other senior leaders of the association, Textiles and Jute Secretary Md Abdur Rauf and Director General of Department of Textile Md Nuruzzaman, among others, were present at the meeting.

Responding to demands of BGMEA, Nanak said the government will take necessary measures to ensure cooperation of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and customs department.

“We will relax the policy regarding setting up new garment factories outside until preparing a full-fledged economic zone,” he said adding, “You (BGMEA) have placed demand to continue cash assistance until 2026 . . .cash assistance facility must be available to survive in the global market.”