The apparel makers usually elect the leader of their sector’s apex trade body for two years under the banners of Sammilita Parishad and Forum, a panel of BGMEA's registered members. But since September 2015, the apex trade body of the apparel sector has been selecting presidents on a consensus between members of the two platforms. Disgruntled former members from both the leading platforms formed the Swadhinata Parishad in 2019, determined to break the influence of both the controlling nexus. The Sammilita Parishad, Forum and Shadhinata Parishad have all declared their candidate panels to contest in the polls for electing the governing body of the garment sector’s apex trade body. Faruque Hassan, a former senior vice-president of the BGMEA, will lead the Sammilita Parishad, while ABM Shamsuddin, a former vice-president of the trade body, will lead Forum.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 14, 2021 18:56 UTC