Major General Dr. Md. Shahedul Islam (Retd.) has officially taken over as Secretary General of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the top trade organization for Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry.

According to a press release, Shahedul Islam brings over 35 years of multifaceted expertise spanning military management, international diplomacy, and academic leadership to the association.

Throughout his military career, he represented Bangladesh as Defence Attaché in Washington, D.C., where he was decorated with the prestigious Legion of Merit by the United States government.

His academic achievements include a PhD from the University of Dhaka focusing on workers' skills assessment and development, an MPhil, an MBA, and a Master's degree in Management Studies from Osmania University.

In addition to serving on multiple United Nations Peacekeeping deployments, he previously held academic appointments as Dean at the Bangladesh University of Professionals and as Treasurer and Professor at the Central University of Science and Technology.

Expressing confidence in his appointment, BGMEA leadership stated that his extensive background in international relations, strategic management, and workforce empowerment will help bolster the apparel sector, drive innovation, build skilled manpower, and navigate shifting global challenges.

Upon assuming his duties, Shahedul Islam announced that he will work alongside the BGMEA Board and industry leaders to overcome global economic hurdles, expand product offerings and export destinations, and advance skill development programs to keep Bangladesh competitive in the global apparel market.