Dhaka: A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), aiming to enhance the welfare of garment sector workers, promote the growth of football, and strengthen the global visibility of the 'Made in Bangladesh' campaign.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the signing ceremony took place at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and BFF President Tabith Awal signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations. With this agreement, BGMEA becomes the first trade body in the country to form a partnership with a national sports federation.
Senior officials from BGMEA, including Senior Vice President Inam ul Haque Khan (Babulu); Vice Presidents Md. Rezwan Selim, Mizanur Rahman (Finance), Md. Shihab Uddowza Chowdhury, Shah Raeed Chowdhury; Directors Nafis-ud-Doula Chowdhury, Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz, Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Asef Kamal Pasha, Mohammad Sohel; Chairman of the BGMEA Sports Committee Md. Sajjad Ali Khan; Chairman of the Press, Publication and Publicity Committee Mohammad Masud Kabir; and Chairman of the Branding BGMEA Committee Khan Monirul Islam (Shuvo) were present. Representing BFF, Vice President Fahad Mohammad Ahmed Karim and Executive Committee Member Iqbal Hossain were also present, said a press release.
The MoU aims to improve the quality of life of garment workers and contribute to the advancement of Bangladeshi football through joint programs, training initiatives, talent development, and welfare-oriented activities. Key areas of collaboration include technical support from BFF for organizing football events, training garment workers in soft skills like officiating and coaching, and joint programs for BGMEA member factories.
Promotional documentaries of BGMEA will be showcased during international football matches as part of the 'Made in Bangladesh' branding initiative. BFF will promote BGMEA and the Bangladeshi garment sector at global football platforms. BGMEA will collaborate with partners to support BFF's jersey requirements and contribute to designing national team kits and travel apparel in the future.
Additionally, both organizations will engage in awareness campaigns on child protection, women's empowerment, and nutritional improvement, alongside efforts to involve workers' children in grassroots football.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan expressed his gratitude to the BFF President for forging this partnership. He stated that while the world recognizes Bangladesh for its garment sector, the aim is to also achieve global recognition in football and sports. This collaboration between industry and sports will elevate Bangladesh's image to new heights.
BFF President Tabith Awal stated that the MoU would create a new path for the garment industry and football to work together for the nation. He sought BGMEA's continued cooperation in taking football to the grassroots level.
The welcome speech at the event was delivered by BGMEA Director Shah Raeed Chowdhury, whose dedicated efforts led to the signing of the MoU between BGMEA and BFF. Among others, BGMEA Senior Vice President, Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, and BFF Vice President Fahad Mohammad Ahmed Karim also addressed the ceremony.