Abdullah Hil Rakib set an example for the industry, says BGMEA chief

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Saturday organised a memorial discussion and special prayer session in honour of its former Senior Vice President and Team Group Managing Director, the late Abdullah Hil Rakib.

The event took place at the Nurul Quader Auditorium of the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu presiding over the session. It was attended by former BGMEA presidents, current board members, office bearers, general members, family members of the late Rakib, and other well-wishers.

Speaking at the event, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan described Abdullah Hil Rakib as an exceptional individual and a visionary entrepreneur who played a pioneering role in transforming Bangladesh’s apparel sector. “He revived several closed factories and turned them into eco-friendly establishments, setting an example for future generations,” he said.

He added that fulfilling Rakib’s dream—elevating the sector’s export earnings to $100 billion—would be a true tribute to his legacy.

Former BGMEA presidents Anisur Rahman Sinha, Kutubuddin Ahmed, Quazi Moniruzzaman, Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), Faruque Hassan, and Khandaker Rafiqul Islam also shared heartfelt memories and highlighted Rakib’s immense contributions to policy advocacy and sustainability within the apparel industry.

Afroza Shaheen, wife of the late Rakib, also addressed the gathering with emotional reflections on her husband’s journey, dedication, and passion for the industry.

The speakers unanimously recognised him as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Bangladesh’s RMG sector and praised his relentless efforts to position the country as a competitive player in the global apparel market, particularly towards the goal of achieving $100 billion in export earnings.

Senior Vice President of BGMEA Inamul Haque Khan delivered the welcome speech at the programme.

A special dua mahfil was held at the end of the event, seeking eternal peace for Abdullah Hil Rakib and others in the industry who recently passed away, including Sultan Ahmed and Colonel (Retd.) Anwarul Azim. Prayers were also offered for the victims of the recent tragic plane crash at the Milestone School and College campus in Uttara.

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