Government is taking forward RMG sector regardless of the conspiracies: HPM Sheikh Hasina

"There was a plot to impede the export of garment industry... it was not only nationally, an international conspiracy was also orchestrated. But the plots were not successful as we took proper steps in this regard," she said.

She added: "The plots could not be successful as the government took proper steps side by side with the businesspeople engaged in the sector."

The Prime Minister made the remarks when newly-elected office bearers of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) led by its president Siddiqur Rahman called on her at her Tejgaon office here on Sunday morning.

Former BGMEA presidents Tipu Munshi, MP, and Atiqul Islam also spoke on the occasion.

The Premier called upon the garment owners to supplement the government efforts to expedite the work of the Garment Village at Gazaria for further development of the garment industry in the country.

"Our government has allocated land for establishing a Garment Village at Gazaria in Munshiganj ... necessary work is underway to develop the village and it could be completed speedily if you take some initiatives and spend some money," she said.

In this connection, the Prime Minister told the garment owners: "I think you show "kripanata" (stinginess) and save money -- it's the problem."

Sheikh Hasina said all facilities are being ensured from supply of gas to communication to establish the Garment Village. "There would be no problems in the village if you start spending money and relocating your factories there," she said.

The Premier called upon garment businessmen to find out more new markets abroad to further boost Bangladesh's RMG export and strengthen economy.

Terming her government as business friendly, Sheikh Hasina said her government never wants to do business, rather it works to promote trade and business activities for putting the country's economy on a solid foundation.

"We did not come to the government for doing business, rather we came to government to create an atmosphere so that the businesspeople could do business peacefully and we have already ensured that environment," she said.

While talking about high bank interest rate, the Prime Minister urged the private banks to take necessary measures to this end and mentioned that the nationalised banks are providing loans with comparatively low interest rate.

Spelling out various measures of the government to further develop the RMG sector, Sheikh Hasina said a huge number of male and female workers are engaged in this sector and they are contributing a lot to develop the country and alleviate poverty.

Highly praising contributions of female garment workers, the Prime Minister said they are strengthening the economy of the country and helping to meet the export demand of the buyers by working extra hours.

In this connection, the Premier stressed the need for ensuring better welfare of the workers by the industry owners as they are the main driving force of the RMG sector.

Pointing to a number of incidents happened in the garment industry including Rana Plaza collapse and Tazreen Factory Fire, the Prime Minister said her government handled such tragic accidents very successfully and extended all out supports to the victims.

"We have taken all necessary measure to stop recurrence of such incidents," she said.

Referring to the government's stunning success in power generation, Sheikh Hasina said the country power generation capacity is currently 14,000 megawatt thanks to various pragmatic steps of the present government

"We are capable of generating at least 12,000 MW electricity at anytime," she said.

She said her government has also been able to increase gas production remarkably over last seven years and various steps are underway to further raise gas production.

At the function, the BGMEA leaders highly appreciated the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in running the country and said Bangladesh achieved stunning successes in various sectors under her visionary and charismatic leadership.

Photo: Focus Bangla News