Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Exporters Association of Bangladesh expressed great concern at the problems of match manufacturing industry in the country. a press release said yesterday.- reports BSS.

The President of the BGMEA and Exporters"Associa-tfon of Bangladesh Redwan Ahmed MP. while expressing his deep concern over the matter, said that the illegal inflow of cheap and low quality matches from neighbouring country has pushed the match industry to near ruinatipn.

Four match manufacturing industries have already been

shut down and hundreds of workers and employees have been rendered Jobless, he said.

He said although this sector produces sufficient quantity required to meet the country's demand, still some dishonest traders are smuggling in Indian matches and creating hurdles In the ecq> noinlc development of our country.

Redwan observed that without realising the policy of free market economy and liberal Import policy and taking advantage of excluding matches from band items, a section of unscrupulous traders legally or illegally are making their

fortunes by bringing and marketing the low cost and inferior quality matches in the local market.

If adequate measures are not taken in time to save this industry from further closure, thousands of workers and employees of this sector will be unemployed and socio-economic condition of the country as a whole will be endangered, he said.

Redwan Ahmed urged the government to take immediate measures against this unhealthy situation In the match manufacturing industry aiid protect it in the interest of the country.