1. What motivated your decision to contest in the upcoming BGMEA election, and what led you to align with the Sammilito Parishad panel?
My decision to contest in the upcoming BGMEA election stems from a deep commitment to the sustainable growth and global competitiveness of Bangladesh’s garment industry. Having worked closely with the sector, I’ve seen both its remarkable resilience and the urgent need for strategic transformation. I believe this is a defining moment for us to move from being the world’s second-largest exporter to becoming the most responsible and innovative sourcing hub.
Aligning with the Sammilito Parishad was a natural choice because of its legacy of inclusive leadership, long-term vision, and track record in advocating for industry-wide reforms. The panel represents a balanced and forward-thinking coalition that values collaboration, ethical business practices, and policy-driven development—values that deeply resonate with me.
2. What three key structural or policy reforms do you think BGMEA should prioritize, and how do you plan to contribute to implementing them if elected?
If elected, I would prioritize the following three critical reforms:
• Safe and Dignified Exit Policy: The industry urgently needs a structured exit mechanism that supports struggling factories to shut down responsibly—ensuring legal, financial, and social compliance while protecting workers’ rights. I aim to advocate for and help implement a policy framework in collaboration with labor stakeholders and the government to make exits humane, transparent, and non-disruptive to the broader ecosystem.
• Policy Support for SME Manufacturers: SMEs form the backbone of our industry but face disproportionately higher policy friction and limited access to finance. I will work toward designing specific regulatory reliefs, low-interest funding channels (such as a dedicated Green Funding Desk), and capacity-building programs tailored for SMEs to thrive, especially in the post-LDC era.
• Unified Code of Conduct: Factories currently juggle multiple, often overlapping, compliance standards from buyers, international laws, and local regulations. I strongly support developing a nationally recognized unified code of conduct—a harmonized compliance benchmark that satisfies international expectations while reducing redundancy and compliance costs. I will champion its adoption in collaboration with global buyers, regulatory agencies, and industry leaders.
3. With the industry rapidly changing, how do you plan to lead BGMEA toward modernization—whether through digital transformation, fostering innovation, or empowering young entrepreneurs?
The future of BGMEA lies in adaptability. Modernization must be multi-dimensional. My approach includes:
• Digital Transformation: Encouraging member factories to adopt ERP systems, digital sampling, and AI-led forecasting tools to reduce lead times and increase efficiency. I will also push for BGMEA’s own digital infrastructure to be overhauled for better member services.
• Driving Real-World Innovation through Existing Hubs: BGMEA has already initiated important steps by establishing innovation hubs—but we must now move beyond ideation to implementation. My goal is to actively work within these hubs to turn promising ideas into scalable business models—whether it’s sustainable textile solutions, next-gen manufacturing technologies, or circular economy practices. Innovation must not remain on paper—it should translate into export value, efficiency gains, and global leadership.
• Youth Inclusion & Mentorship: As a founder director of BAYLA, real transformation from the youth is a personal goal of mine. I believe BGMEA must also act as a bridge for young entrepreneurs, especially next-generation owners and women leaders. Through mentorship programs, funding access, and startup forums, I hope to create an ecosystem where the new wave of leadership can flourish with guidance and support.
