Bio-Description

Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry stands as a cornerstone of the national economy, representing resilience, innovation and global integration. Newly appointed as President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Mohammad Hatem has emerged as a pioneering force among the influential figures guiding this sector toward sustainability and responsible growth. A seasoned entrepreneur, policy advocate, and institutional leader, Hatem’s career reflects decades of strategic engagement with Bangladesh’s economic development, particularly in the Knit and RMG industries.

Currently serving as the President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Mohammad Hatem brings visionary leadership to one of the country’s most vital trade bodies. His strategic guidance and deep-rooted knowledge of the global apparel market have positioned BKMEA as a powerful voice on national and international platforms.

With an unwavering focus on sustainable production, workers' welfare, and competitive innovation, he has contributed significantly to the transformation of Bangladesh’s RMG sector into a more ethical and globally trusted industry.

A Multifaceted Leadership Portfolio

Hatem holds multiple influential positions beyond BKMEA. He is a board member of the International Chamber of Commerce – Bangladesh (ICCB) and the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC), organizations committed to aligning Bangladesh’s trade and production standards with global benchmarks. His tenure as a board director of the ‘Independent Power Producer’ Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Ltd. (CPGCBL), and as a member of the national Zakat Board, highlights his commitment to both industrial excellence and community-oriented development.

His leadership contributions extend to alumni organizations such as the Dhaka University Alumni Association (DUAA), reflecting his enduring connection with educational and youth development institutions.

From Narayanganj to National Influence

Born and raised in Cumilla, Mohammad Hatem has embodied the spirit of entrepreneurship since his early years. His family’s legacy in industrial and community leadership served as a strong foundation for his own journey. He completed his academic training at Dhaka University, after graduating from Government Tolaram College and Narayanganj High School.

Hatem’s early career saw him engaging with the Apparel industry at a grassroots level. Over time, he became deeply involved in national policy dialogue, advocating for reforms that would benefit manufacturers, workers and the economy at large. His policy advocacy was particularly influential during his terms as BKMEA First Vice President (2004–2006), Senior Vice President (2010–2012) and then as Executive President from 2021 to 2024. 

National and International Recognition

His contributions have earned him a reputation as a bridge between private enterprise and public policymaking. He was a key member of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) board during the early 2000s and played a pivotal role in formulating Bangladesh’s trade policies. His work extended to leading delegations, engaging with multilateral institutions and fostering bilateral trade dialogues.

Hatem also made substantial contributions through his involvement with various think tanks and advisory committees. He has served on committees under the Ministry of Commerce, the Export Promotion Bureau and the Bangladesh Bank, actively shaping the fiscal and export policies that guide the nation’s apparel sector.

Following the collapse of the fascist government on 5th August 2024, Bangladesh entered a volatile transitional period, marked by heightened political uncertainty and economic disruption. In this fragile environment, Mohammad Hatem emerged as a stabilizing power in the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector.

As President of BKMEA, Hatem took immediate and decisive steps to maintain industrial harmony. He commenced industrial dialogues between factory owners, worker unions and interim government officials to eliminate fears among workers concerning job security, wage arrears and factory shutdowns. His approach emphasized trust-building, inclusive negotiation and practical problem-solving.

Hatem is a critical partner of the Tripartite Taskforce Committee, which is form to monitor working conditions and rapidly address grievances among the industry leaders, labor representatives and government mediators. His crisis-time diplomacy prevented widespread strikes and production cessations, helping to preserve Bangladesh’s credibility as a reliable supplier in global apparel markets.

Beyond labor harmony, Hatem played a significant role in shaping key sectoral policy reforms in the transitional phase. Hatem actively engaged with the National Board of Revenue and trade economists to advocate for a revised tariff structure that supported backward linkage industries, reduced dependency on costly imports and aligned with WTO obligations. He is always vocal for eliminating redundant customs delays, which had long been a cost burden for exporters. He recognized the strategic importance of regional trade corridors, particularly through land ports with India. He pushed for bilateral simplification of customs and logistics procedures and infrastructure up gradation to reduce container turnaround times.

Mohammad Hatem lobbied for preferential energy pricing for export-oriented industries. His advocacy led to the implementation of a fuel subsidy mechanism for captive power generators in RMG factories, thus preventing sudden cost spikes that could force factory closures.

Commitment to Education and Youth Empowerment

Beyond business, Mohammad Hatem is a passionate advocate for education, skill development and youth empowerment. He has been actively involved in educational organizations, serving as a member of the Board of Governors at Narayanganj Ideal School and as Chair of the governing body of the Khaledabad High School. His commitment to youth is further reflected in his long-standing association with organizations like JCI Bangladesh, the Dhaka University Alumni Association’s Business Faculty chapter and youth training initiatives supported by the UN and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

A Legacy of Social Responsibility

Mohammad Hatem’s leadership style is characterized by integrity, inclusiveness and foresight. He strongly advocates for worker safety, fair wages and environmentally sustainable production practices. Under his leadership, RMG factories aligned with international safety protocols, especially in the wake of the post-Rana Plaza reforms. His active role in the RSC and commitment to social compliance have made him a respected figure among global apparel brands and watchdogs.

Moreover, his influence extends through his family’s multigenerational contributions to education and entrepreneurship in Narayanganj. His father, the late Maulana Abdul Rahman, was a religious and community leader, while his brothers were noted entrepreneurs and educators. This familial legacy has imbued Hatem with a sense of duty to uphold ethical standards in both business and society.

Looking Ahead

As Bangladesh navigates the challenges of climate change, digital transformation and evolving global trade dynamics, leaders like Mohammad Hatem offer a roadmap for adaptive, inclusive and sustainable growth. His multifaceted leadership-spanning industry, education and policy-makes him a key architect of the RMG sector’s future.

Hatem continues to push boundaries, advocating for greater investment in green technologies, digitalization of supply chains and the diversification of export markets. With his vision, the RMG sector of Bangladesh is not only surviving global competition but setting a new standard for responsible manufacturing in the Global South.