Dhaka, Dec. 26 -- The apex body of the country's apparel sector has introduced a set of new criteria for granting membership, including minimum factory space and machinery requirements, aiming to ensure basic operational and safety standards.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said it will not register any garment factory located in shared buildings housing other establishments such as banks, insurance offices or markets.

However, if a building accommodates only garment units, new apparel factories may be approved for BGMEA membership, according to a notification issued by the trade body.

The decisions were taken at the BGMEA board's third meeting held on November 5 to promote a sustainable ready-mad...