In addition to increasing investment, productivity, employment and exports in the textile sector, the President Md. Sahabuddin urged the patriotic citizens including industrialists, industrial entrepreneurs to build safe and environment-friendly industries.
The President said this at an event at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital on the occasion of 'National Textile Day 2024' on Tuesday (February 27). He said, all efforts should be continued to increase productivity. The head of state also emphasized to increase the number of export products instead of depending on a few products.
He said, we have to use diplomatic missions and give priority to economic diplomacy. The President has called upon all concerned including the business leaders to be vigilant so that no vicious circle or self-interested group can destroy the environment of production-oriented factories.
Md. Sahabuddin said that one should be vigilant so that no one can spoil the environment of the factory for production. The government is and will always be with you. The head of state said that for the expansion of the international market, businessmen, industrialists and investors should come forward with the aim of expanding technical education with modern technology and creating skilled human resources.
Mentioning that foreign trade is more challenging, competitive and knowledge-based than ever before, he said, business leaders must take concerted initiatives to face these challenges.
Addressing the business leaders, the head of state said that workers should be guaranteed fair rights and wages. Workers are the driving force of manufacturing industries. Factories and workers complement each other. If the workers are good, the factory will be good, he noted.
The President said, remember that you are not just running a business for profit. You have to take social responsibility seriously.
He said that the government is determined to make the garment and textile sector capable of international competition, strong, safe and up-to-date. He requested to welcome new technologies to meet the challenges of the 4th industrial revolution according to the demands of the international market.
Mentioning the immense role of textile and jute sector in the country's society, economy, culture, industrialization and employment, the President said, considering the needs of the domestic and international markets, multifaceted action plans should be formulated and implemented for the expansion of the textile sector. He said that the role of the textile industry is most important in the construction of 'Smart Bangladesh' announced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. It is possible to develop a 'smart textile' sector by increasing the use of modern machinery and information technology in this sector, which is the largest labor intensive sector in the country.
The President said that currently the textile sector as the main driving force of our economy has not only enriched the national economy, but also ensured the employment of countless people, 80 percent of whom are women and indirectly the main source of livelihood of about one crore people. He said that about 85 percent of the country's total export income is being earned from the textile industry. Textile sector is playing an important role in alleviating rural poverty, empowering women and creating employment opportunities.
The President believes that the textile sector will play a significant role in the implementation of Vision 2041 by creating a developed and prosperous 'Smart Bangladesh'. Mentioning the ancient and glorious history of the textile industry of Bangladesh, he said, all the activities taken by the present government will enrich Bangladesh's developing textile sector and make it attractive to foreign investors.
Textiles and Jute Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak presided over the event. Among others, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute Abdur Rauf, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Mohammad Ali Khokon and Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Vice President Md. Shahidullah Azam spoke.
A documentary on 'National Textile Day 2023' was displayed on the occasion. In the event, 11 businessmen were awarded the President's Commemoration. The President took part in a photo session there.