SM Fazlul Huq formally took over the presidency of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) yesterday.

Terming compliance as a crucial issue, he said, "It will be my first job to ensure compliance in the garment units."

Fazlul, managing director of Choice Group, becomes third of the three presidents of the BGMEA, sharing the same post for eight months each in line with a power-sharing consensus election held in February last year.

His investiture took place at BGMEA office after a regular board meeting. Tipu Munshi of Sepal Garment Ltd formally handed over the charge to SM Fazlul Huq.

Earlier, Annisul Huq of Mohammadi Group had served the first eight months of the shared tenure as president.

Fazlul, a veteran freedom fighter, took apparel business as his career in 1984 and served as the first vice-president of BGMEA in the 1993-1996 period. He also worked as a BGMEA director from 1991 to 1992.

The career businessman is a former vice-president of Chittagong University Central Students' Union (CUCSU) and is still involved with the Chittagong University as a member of the university's senate and syndicate.

Talking to The Daily Star, the BGMEA new president said he will give priority in ensuring the workers' rights through developing an acceptable dispute- settlement body.