BGMEA urges Primark to increase garment sourcing from Bangladesh

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged the Irish multinational fast fashion retailer Primark to increase its garment sourcing from Bangladesh, particularly in the high-end garment sector.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan made the call at a meeting with a delegation from Primark and Associated British Foods (ABF) on Tuesday, according to a UNB report.

The delegation included Steve Lawton, Trading Director, Primark; Matthew Rhodes, Head of Sourcing and Supplier Management, Primark; Eoin Tonge, CFO, ABF/Primark; Richard Morrison, Director, ABF/Primark; Filippo Poggi, Sourcing Country Controller (Bangladesh-India-Pakistan-Sri Lanka); Mohammad Ismail, Senior Ethical Trade Manager (Bangladesh & Pakistan); and Jalis Khan, Sourcing Manager (Bangladesh-India-Pakistan-Sri Lanka).

The meeting was also attended by BGMEA Vice President Md Nasir Uddin, Vice President Miran Ali, Director Faisal Samad, and the newly elected Directors of BGMEA for the 2024-2026 term -- Mohammad Sohel Sadat and Mesbah Uddin Khan.

The discussions centred around fostering collaboration to achieve shared sustainability goals, with a particular emphasis on promoting sustainable practices within Primark’s Bangladeshi suppliers.

The meeting focused on collaboration in improving sustainable practices, the use of recycled materials, and minimising environmental footprints throughout the manufacturing process for the Bangladeshi suppliers of Primark.

This involves providing support, resources, and knowledge to improve manufacturing processes and meet global sustainability standards.

Both sides stressed the importance of working together to build up the capacities of the suppliers in meeting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan briefed the Primark delegation about Bangladesh’s strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and product diversification, especially non-cotton high-end garments.

He also highlighted the growing infrastructure of Bangladesh, including highways, expressways, deep sea port alongside improved logistics that have contributed to reducing the lead time for product shipment.

Faruque Hassan extended gratitude to Primark for their support to Bangladeshi suppliers in implementing the recently announced minimum wage by adjusting prices on their orders.

All the members of BGMEA implemented the new wage structure for their workers from December 2023.