In a significant leadership shift, Mohammad Hatem has been elected as the new president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), succeeding AKM Selim Osman, who has held the position for the past 14 years. The announcement came following a board meeting held at the BKMEA’s Dhaka office on August 25, 2024.
AKM Selim Osman, a former member of parliament, cited health reasons for his resignation, marking the end of a prolonged tenure characterized by political influence and consensus-building within the organization’s governance. His resignation was unanimously accepted by the board, during which he also delivered a farewell address.
Mohammad Hatem, the incoming president, has been a key figure in BKMEA for several years, previously serving as the Executive President since 2021. His election to the presidency is seen as a pivotal moment for the association, which plays a critical role in the global textile industry, especially in the export of knitwear.
The new management board also saw several other significant appointments. Fazle Shamim Ehsan has stepped up from Vice President to Executive President. Mohammad Shamsuzzaman has been elevated from Director to Vice President, while Mansur Ahmed has taken on the role of Senior Vice President. Other notable appointments include Amal Podder, Gauhar Siraj Jamil, Morshed Sarwar Sohel, Akhtar Hossain Apurbo, and Mohammad Rashed as Vice Presidents.
The BKMEA plays a crucial role in representing the interests of knitwear manufacturers in Bangladesh, a country renowned for its substantial contributions to the global apparel market. The leadership change comes at a time when the industry faces numerous challenges, including global economic shifts and increasing demands for sustainable production practices.
Under Mohammad Hatem’s leadership, BKMEA is expected to navigate through these challenges with a renewed focus on innovation, market expansion, and sustainability initiatives that align with global standards. The industry stakeholders have welcomed the new leadership, anticipating progressive changes that will bolster Bangladesh’s position in the international knitwear market.