Joint Statement by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and IndustriALL Bangladesh Council (IBC)

Leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and IndustriALL Bangladesh Council (IBC) convened a meeting at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka on July 11, 2023.

The meeting was chaired by BGMEA President Faruque Hassan and attended by several prominent figures including Senior Vice President SM Mannan (Kochi), Vice President Md. Nasir Uddin, Director Haroon Ar Rashid, Chairman of BGMEA Standing Committee on Labour and ILO Affairs ANM Saifuddin, Chairman of BGMEA Standing Committee on Labour Arbitration Md. Rafiqul Islam, Co-Chairman of BGMEA Standing Committee on Labour Arbitration Ziaur Rahman, and Managing Director of JMS Composite Knitwear Limited Mazharul Hasan Jewel.

Representing the IBC, the following individuals were present at the meeting: Amirul Haque Amin, President of IBC; Kutubuddin Ahmed, Secretary General of IBC; Babul Akhter, Secretary General of Bangladesh Garments Industrial Workers Federation; Z.M. Kamrul Anam, President of Bangladesh Textile and Garments Workers League; Towhidur Rahman, President of Bangladesh Poshak Shilpa Sramik Federation; Rashedul Alam Raju, Secretary General of BIGUF; China Rahman, Secretary General of the Federation of Garments Workers; Nurul Islam, Secretary General of the United Federation of Garments Workers; and Kamrul Hasan, Secretary General of Akota Garments Sramik Federation.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement on the following points:

1. The attendees expressed their deepest condolences and adopted a condolence motion for the untimely demise of Md. Shahidul Islam, aged 45, the President of the Gazipur District unit of the Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation. The incident occurred in the Tangi Baganbar area on June 25th. The BGMEA strongly condemned the incident and extended prayers for the departed soul of Shahidul Islam, along with heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. The meeting recognized Shahidul Islam’s significant contributions to safeguarding the rights of garment workers, emphasizing that his legacy will always be remembered.
2. The government was urged to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Md. Shahidul Islam and bring the perpetrators to justice. The attendees emphasized the need for exemplary punishment in accordance with the law.
3. It was noted that the President of BGMEA had previously conveyed deep condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family through a mourning message.
4. The President of BGMEA assured the family of the deceased of providing financial assistance, and extending support during their time of need.

Signatories: On behalf of BGMEA:

Faruque Hassan President, BGMEA

SM Mannan (Kochi) Senior Vice President, BGMEA

Md. Nasir Uddin Vice President, BGMEA

Haroon Ar Rashid Director, BGMEA

ANM Saifuddin Chairman of BGMEA Standing Committee on Labour and ILO Affairs

On behalf of IBC:

Amirul Haque Amin President, IBC

Kutubuddin Ahmed Secretary General, IBC

Babul Akhter Secretary General, Bangladesh Garments Industrial Workers Federation

Z.M. Kamrul Anam President, Bangladesh Textile and Garments Workers League

Towhidur Rahman President, Bangladesh Poshak Shilpa Sramik Federation

Rashedul Alam Raju Secretary General, BIGUF

China Rahman Secretary General, Federation of Garments Workers

Nurul Islam Secretary General, United Federation of Garments Workers

Kamrul Hasan Secretary General, Akota Garments Sramik Federation