Apparel makers also demanded strict enforcement of Bangladesh Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947 as they met Shipping Secretary Ismail Zabihullah in Dhaka yesterday.

Annisul Huq, president of Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), led a delegation during the meeting. BGMEA Vice-president Anwar -Ul- Alam Chowdhury, Director Shahidul Islam and other officials were also present.

BGMEA leaders told the shipping secretary the charge of shipping agents and freight forwarders against a consignment some times goes up to Tk 10,000, although they are not supposed to charge more than Tk 1,250.

The agents collect money in the name of status charge, China charge, co-loader charge and documentation charge in violation of rules, the delegation alleged.

Besides, the shipping agents and freight forwarders give delivery of goods to importers without bank endorsement, garment manufacturers said. As a result, around $ 5.8 million remained outstanding against 118 consignments over last couple of years, they added. Some 100 garment factories have become victims of this malpractice, RMG manufacturers said.

The BGMEA demanded government's intervention to realise the money from importers.

The association also demanded mandatory licensing system from National Board of Revenue before starting operation by any freight forwarders.

The shipping secretary assured the BGMEA leaders of taking the issues to the National Co-ordination Council formed to resolve the problems facing the garment sector.