Dhaka:Water management has become a critical factor in Bangladesh's international trade and competitiveness in the global apparel market, stated Mahmud Hasan Khan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, international buyers, especially European brands, now emphasize data on reducing water use, wastewater treatment, and water recycling at all stages of garment production as a significant requirement.
Mahmud made these remarks during a high-level meeting with a World Bank delegation at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara. The delegation was led by Mara K. Warwick, Regional Director for Sustainable Development in the South Asia Region. The discussions focused on environmental protection, water resource management, and the sustainable transformation of Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) sector. BGMEA Director Dr. Md Hasib Uddin also took part in the discussions.
Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted the necessity for Bangladesh to adopt modern water-saving technologies to protect the rivers and groundwater resources of Dhaka while maintaining the country's export markets. The meeting reviewed the "Dhaka Water Security and Resilience Program," supported by the World Bank, including its US$5 million Viability Gap Fund (VGF) pilot project.
BGMEA initially proposed a list of 31 factories for the pilot project, with the World Bank set to begin work with eight of those factories. However, Mahmud Hasan Khan pointed out that the US$5 million fund and the number of selected factories are insufficient given the strong interest and demand among local garment factories for sustainable technologies. He urged the World Bank to expand the project's funding and overall scope.
At the end of the meeting, the World Bank delegation responded positively to the BGMEA's proposals, assuring continued logistical and overall support to accelerate the green transformation of Bangladesh's RMG sector. Other members of the World Bank delegation included Lead Water Specialist David Malcolm Lord, Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist Rokeya Ahmed, Water Specialist Md Mahadi Hasan, and Environmental Specialist Bushra Nishat.