Local garment manufacturers in Bangladesh have urged the government to ease conditions for importing yarn, cotton and fabrics as work orders were pouring in from international clothing retailers and brands. Faruque Hassan, President, BGMEA said, the huge quantity of work orders is making it difficult for local suppliers to deliver goods on time. Hassan urged the government to allow import of yarn, cotton fabrics and other raw materials through the Bhumra and Sunamasjid land ports under bonded warehouse facility.

Currently, cotton yarn, fabrics from India can be imported under the bonded warehouse facility only through the Benapole Land Port as it has storage and warehouse facilities. BGMEA also demanded partial shipment facilities through land ports, including the Benapole. This includes importing and unloading a portion of a consignment ordered under letters of credit (LCs). Businesspeople choose partial shipments mainly for timely use of raw materials and to reduce storage and warehousing costs of imported goods.

The BGMEA also sought improvements of the infrastructure at the land port areas so that transport congestion can be avoided in case of importing raw materials in bulk quantities from India.

However, Monsoor Ahmed, CEO, BTMA, opted against allowing partial shipments through the land ports, saying, it would create scopes for irregularities.