The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has proposed forming a high-level committee comprising representatives of relevant government ministries and business organisations to coordinate policymaking and implementation in the garment sector.

BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem made the recommendations in a proposal submitted ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday (September 14).

The proposed committee would include representatives from the finance, commerce and labour ministries, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), FBCCI, BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA and BEZA. It would coordinate policies and activities related to the garment and industrial sectors, make policy decisions and ensure their implementation.

BKMEA also called for a long-term, coordinated master plan for energy management to ensure uninterrupted gas and electricity supplies to industries. The plan should consider future investments, industrial expansion and energy demand, including coal-fired and nuclear power projects.

The association proposed a carbon credit system aligned with Bangladesh’s socioeconomic and industrial realities. It said the mechanism should reduce carbon emissions while remaining practical and compatible with the capacity of local industries.

BKMEA stressed the need for consultation with relevant stakeholders before introducing new industrial and trade policies or reforming existing ones. It said policymakers should consider international trade conditions, industrial realities, existing business infrastructure and implementation capacity.

The association also proposed a reasonable transition period for implementing new policies where necessary, allowing businesses sufficient time to prepare.

To make revenue, tax, customs, VAT and import-export activities easier and faster, BKMEA recommended effective digitalisation of NBR operations. It said this would reduce the time and cost of doing business while improving revenue collection.

BKMEA also called for timely amendments to the Bangladesh National Building Code and effective enforcement, taking into account existing infrastructure, industrial realities, capacity, and fire and building safety requirements.

The association said implementing these measures would improve coordination in garment-sector policymaking, strengthen the investment environment and facilitate the sector’s sustainable development.