Russia-Ukraine war after COVID-19 pandemic; on top of that, an explosion took place at BM depot in Sitakunda. These are big blows to the garments industry. This was stated by Faruque Hassan, President of BGMEA. He made the remarks at a press conference held at a hotel in Dhaka on Monday (13 June).
Faruque Hassan said that this terrible accident occurred when we were busy with the work of apparel diplomacy in Europe. Most of the burnt containers contained garments for export. These garments products were fully ready. This has caused more damage to our image than financial loss.
He added that the day after the incident, the directors, led by BGMEA Vice-President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, visited the spot and exchanged views with other law enforcement, army, and port officials, including the fire service engaged in the rescue operation.
On the same day, they visited Chittagong Medical College Hospital and distributed emergency medical treatment and food to the hospital administration on behalf of BGMEA.
A monitoring cell has been set up at the BGMEA’s regional office in Chattogram to get information about the fire, said Faruque Hassan. A letter has been sent to the members asking them to find out the number of garments belonging to any BGMEA member factory in the burnt containers at the depot. So far I have received information from more than 155 member institutions. Institutions have been asked to apply to the Bond Commissionerate for a duty waiver.
He said that the burnt containers contained products of some well-known brands. According to the export agreement, the concerned brands have taken the responsibility for the unaffected products at the depot. Apart from that, all the responsibility is on the buyer. Already, a buyer’s company has reportedly paid for the damaged garments. Hopefully, the rest will pay their suppliers quickly. In this situation, insurance companies also have a lot of responsibilities. I am also telling them, to arrange for quick compensation.
