International fashion retailer Primark and The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) held a meeting today at the BGMEA headquarters in Uttara, Dhaka. 

The discussions focused on the current state of Bangladesh’s garment industry, sustainable development, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two sides.

The BGMEA side, led by President Mahmud Hasan Khan, included Vice President (Finance) Mijanur Rahman, and Directors Faisal Samad and Ms. Samiha Azim. 

Representing Primark were Paul Lister, Director, Legal and Company Secretary, Associated British Foods PLC (parent company of Primark); Ms. Bee Ong, Director of Ethical Trade and Environmental Sustainability – Operations; Ms. Rosalind McCabe, Legal, ABF;  Javier, Director, Simon Project; Mohammad Ismail, Senior Ethical Trade Manager; and Jalis Khan, Sourcing Manager for Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka.

A number of key issues were discussed, including the impact of reciprocal  tariffs imposed by the United States on Bangladeshi apparel exports. The BGMEA President expressed optimism that a favourable solution can be reached to safeguard the interests of the industry.

President Mahmud Hasan Khan requested Primark to increase sourcing from Bangladesh, particularly diversified and value-added apparel products. He also urged the brand to strengthen collaboration with local suppliers to foster innovation and enhance product quality.

Sustainability got due importance in the meeting. Both sides discussed avenues for deeper collaboration in promoting renewable energy use, reducing carbon emissions, improving resource efficiency, and enhancing worker welfare in the sector. 

Primark reiterated its commitment to supporting environmentally responsible production across its supplier factories in Bangladesh. The fashion brand also emphasized the importance of decarbonization and climate action in addressing global environmental challenges.

The meeting further highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing initiatives to optimize the use of water, electricity, and other resources in garment factories. Such efforts are expected to lower production costs while contributing to environmental sustainability.

President Mahmud Hasan Khan called for Primark’s support in developing a Unified Code of Conduct for the apparel sector. 

He noted that a harmonized code would simplify audit processes, reduce compliance burdens on factories, and promote a more ethical, sustainable, and responsible industry.

Progress on the implementation of the Employment Injury Scheme, an initiative aimed at providing safety nets for garment workers, was also discussed during the meeting.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said, “This meeting with Primark is of great significance to Bangladesh’s garment industry. We believe our shared commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and worker protection will be further strengthened through continued collaboration.”

The Primark delegation reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to supporting the growth and advancement of Bangladesh’s apparel sector.