To help continue their business, the country’s apparel manufacturers demanded a fresh stimulus package for the upcoming Eid festivals on Tuesday.

They also sought 14 to 15 years’ time duration for payment of installments of their long-term loans.

The apparel makers placed these demands in a special meeting, organised by the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) in the city.

Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, lawmaker as well as former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), was present in the programme as the chief guest.

A K M Salim Osman, president of the BKMEA, presided over the meeting, where Mohammad Ali Khokon, president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), and S M Mannan Kochi, vice president of the BGMEA, were also present, among others.

The business leaders said their products remained stockpiled, as the buyers cannot import goods duly for the last few months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Besides, yarn prices and shipment charges have increased significantly nowadays, they added.

In this situation, they sought the fresh stimulus package as well as policy support from the government.