Managing Director of MB Knit Fashion Ltd, Mohammad Hatem has been elected as the new President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), following the resignation of Selim Osman. Osman, who had held the position since 22 July 2010, stepped down due to personal reasons and health issues, as confirmed by BKMEA Vice President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan during a virtual board meeting today, 25 August.
Osman’s resignation marks the end of a lengthy period of stable leadership at BKMEA. Since Osman’s initial election, the association had not held a competitive election, typically receiving only one panel of nominations for each election cycle. Hatem, who has been a prominent figure within BKMEA, highlighted his key priorities following his appointment. He plans to work closely with the central bank to address industry financing challenges and collaborate with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to simplify customs procedures. Additionally, Hatem aims to engage with the government to resume trade negotiations with the EU and explore opportunities in the US market.
In the emergency board meeting convened to address the leadership transition, the BKMEA board also elected Fazlee Shamim of Fatullah Apparels Ltd as Executive President and Engr Md Shamsuzzaman of Micro Fibre Group as Vice President. Hatem’s extensive experience with BKMEA includes six terms as Vice President and one and a half terms as Executive President, while Ehsan has served as Vice President for the past five years and Shamsuzzaman has held multiple director roles.
The leadership changes come amid political shifts following the recent ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government, which have impacted various sectors, including the knitwear industry. Hatem’s appointment is expected to bring a renewed focus on addressing industry issues and advancing trade opportunities.
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