Major General (Retd.) Dr Md Sahedul Islam has formally assumed office as the new secretary general of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, or BGMEA. The announcement concerning the country’s leading trade body for the ready-made garment sector was published on August 2, 2026.

Dr Islam has more than 35 years of experience in military leadership, international diplomacy and academia. While serving as defence attaché in Washington, DC, he received the United States’ Legion of Merit. He earned PhD, MPhil and MBA degrees from the University of Dhaka, including doctoral work on reviewing and developing workers’ skills, and a Master of Management Studies from Osmania University in India.

He previously served as dean at Bangladesh University of Professionals and as treasurer and professor at Central University of Science and Technology, and also played a role in UN peacekeeping missions. BGMEA leaders said they expect his leadership to support industry growth, skilled workforce development and responses to global challenges. He pledged to work with the BGMEA board and entrepreneurs on economic conditions, product and market diversification, skills development and strengthening Bangladesh’s international market position.