Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association on Tuesday sought soft loan facilities of around Tk 1,900 crore from the government to recoup their recent losses due to general holidays and severe flood disrupting communication on key Dhaka-Chittagong highway.

A BGMEA delegation, led by its president Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, made the demand when it met with finance and commerce adviser to the interim government Salehuddin Ahmed at his ERD office.

Emerging from the meeting, Khandoker Rafiqul said that they sought such soft loan facilities from the adviser for one month which could be repaid in one year.

‘Besides, they were a couple of issues for discussions. We’re confident that if we work with the government, then we can move forward the sector,’ said the BGMEA president.

Besides, he said that their loans were now being made classified if any entrepreneur fails to pay three installments in a row which was earlier six installments.

‘We’re demanding to make it six installments again while if it made so, then it could be changed again when the situation becomes normal.’

Rafiqul Islam said that the adviser was very much positive and assured the BGMEA of extending his highest cooperation.

‘We’ve also assured him that if we can make a turnaround, then our exports will make a fast come back. We just need cooperation from all. The foreign buyers have now trust and confidence in us as Bangladesh is stable now. We believe that more businesses now will move to Bangladesh,’ he added.

Asked about the details of soft loans, the BGMEA president said that the RMG exporters and entrepreneurs could not operate in full swing over the last 15 to 16 days out of the last 45 days which were disrupted by student-led mass uprising and the post prevailing situation including severe flash floods following the ouster of Awami League government.

Responding to another question, Rafiqul said that there was now no problem with the formation of new committee of the BGMEA as the Ministry of Commerce had suggested them to move forward the sector with current leadership.

He also informed that they would sit with the international buyers and brand forums this afternoon centering the current situation.