The Sammilito Parishad, a panel which is participating in the biennial polls of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), today said it would work to develop a smart garment sector if it wins the election scheduled March 9. 

Md Siddiqur Rahman, chief election coordinator of the Sammilito Parishad for the 2024-26 tenure, made the promise while announcing the manifesto on behalf of the panel at a press conference at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. 

Rahman, also a former BGMEA president, introduced the 35-member panel at the event. 

The Parishad also promised that it would work to develop and facilitate the growth of the small and medium enterprises in the garment sector.  

The panel will also lobby with policy makers to bring down the interest rate on loans to a single-digit and to introduce a special exchange rate for dollars for garment exporters. 

The panel will work to ensure that the existing duty benefit for garment exports to major markets to continue even after the graduation of Bangladesh to the developing nation category by 2026.  

It will work to ensure that Bangladesh becomes eligible for the GSP Plus status in the European Union, according to the manifesto. 

SM Mannan (Kochi), the panel leader of the Sammilito Parishad, called for working together amid the current global crisis so the sector can become sustainable.  

This is why he infused young and fresh blood in his panel along with a number of experienced leaders, he said. 

Usually, two panels --  the Sammilito Parishad and the Forum Panel -- contest in the BGMEA election.  

The Forum Panel is yet to announce its manifesto.