Terry towel manufacturers and exporters in Bangladesh are urging the government to ease yarn import rules through land ports, as the prices of this basic raw material have increased in local markets. M Shahadat Hossain Sohel, Chairman, The Bangladesh Terry Towel & Linen Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BTTLMEA, said, the association currently has a lot of work orders from international retailers and brands and needs yarn at competitive prices. As per a Daily report, Sohel has urged the government to give factory owners who do not have bond licences, an opportunity to import yarn at a concessional rate so that they could be more competitive in the international markets. BTTLMEA also urged the government to allow import of yarn from India through major land ports, such as that of Bhomra and Sonamasjid.

It urged the government to improve the infrastructure in these land ports and facilitate warehouses and storage of raw materials like cotton, yarn and fabrics for the apparel industry. BTTLMEA also demanded partial shipment facility through the land ports, including the one in Benapole.

Monsoor Ahmed, CEO, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), said Bangladesh should not depend on one or two sources for importing cotton, yarn and fabrics as any disruption could hinder the sector's overall supply at any time without any prior notice. He said allowing partial shipments through the land ports would not be wise as it would open up scopes for irregularities