1. What inspired you to run for the position of Director in the upcoming BGMEA election, and why under the FORUM panel specifically?
The ready-made garment (RMG) industry is the backbone of our national economy and a source of livelihood for millions. Having been born into a family deeply rooted in this industry and witnessing its transformation over decades, I feel a profound sense of responsibility to contribute meaningfully to its future.
My decision to contest for the director position under the FORUM panel stems from the panel’s forward-thinking philosophy. FORUM represents progressive leadership with a focus on transparency, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability—values that align with my own vision. I believe that real change comes from collaborative leadership, and FORUM provides the right platform to drive purposeful reforms with unity and direction.
2. What are the top three structural or policy changes you believe BGMEA urgently needs, and how would you drive them if elected?
a) Institutional Transparency and Accountability:
BGMEA must lead by example. I propose enhanced governance practices through the adoption of digital dashboards and audit systems that ensure transparency in decision-making, fund allocation, and project implementation. Making key information accessible to members will foster trust and a stronger sense of ownership among all stakeholders.
b) SME Inclusion and Support Framework:
A large segment of our industry comprises small and medium enterprises, yet they often remain underrepresented. I aim to advocate for a specialized support cell within BGMEA focused on SME capacity-building, financing facilitation, and policy advocacy to level the playing field for all manufacturers.
c) Green Compliance and Market Diversification Policies:
With increasing pressure from global buyers on sustainability, we must incentivize eco-friendly upgrades and support market diversification strategies. This includes easier access to green financing, guidance on certification processes, and opening dialogues with non-traditional markets.
Driving these reforms would involve extensive consultation with stakeholders, forming specialized task forces, and ensuring implementation timelines with measurable KPIs under BGMEA’s oversight.
3. As the industry evolves, so must its leadership. What are your plans to modernize BGMEA—be it through digital transformation, innovation support, or capacity-building for the next generation of entrepreneurs?
Our future lies in smart manufacturing, value addition, and a digitally empowered workforce. I envision BGMEA becoming a center of excellence, not only in compliance but also in technological adaptation and human capital development. If elected, I would initiate the following:
Digital Transformation Unit: A dedicated body within BGMEA to digitize member services, promote automation practices, and create an industry-wide digital knowledge hub for data sharing, benchmarking, and analytics.
Innovation and R&D Incentive Platform: Establishing collaborations between BGMEA, academia, and tech incubators to support innovation, product diversification, and adoption of AI and Industry 4.0 practices.
Youth and Women Entrepreneur Development Program: Launching training, mentorship, and startup grant programs for young and female entrepreneurs to build a more inclusive leadership pipeline for the industry.
The time for evolutionary leadership has arrived. BGMEA must not only respond to change—but lead it.
