The readymade garment (RMG) sector in Bangladesh, its largest export-earning industry, has registered Tk 4.50 billion loss due to the last seven days of blockade. Following this, apparel makers in the country, have appealed to all political parties to save the sector from further damage. They have appealed to keep the readymade garment sector and its linkages outside the purview of political activities for smoother supply of import and export.

Addressing a press conference, Md Atiqul Islam, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has said that it was the sector’s earnest request to all the political parties to save the garment industry from any further damage as the destructive political programs are taking a heavy toll on the economy as a whole. BGMEA chief also sought a clear directive from political parties in this regard.

Only two days after the FBCCI’s request to shun negative political programs, the BGMEA’s call has come. The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has also made a similar appeal. Due to the ongoing political impasse, the garment industry is in a serious image crisis. Buyers are not coming to negotiate new orders with the onset of the new season.

Apparel exports had just started bouncing back of late but the unstable political situation has created panic among global buyers. A single day’s hartal or blockade hampers apparel exports worth Tk 6.95 billion and production worth Tk 2.15 billion, Islam claimed. If necessary, BGMEA leaders will meet BNP leader Begum Khaleda Zia, he added.