Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today highlighted the significance of Bangladesh's export-oriented industries in bolstering the nation's global branding. "Today, 'Made in Bangladesh' stands as a symbol of pride in the international market," she remarked, emphasizing the need for the garment industry to adopt more proactive measures in environment-friendly production, labor rights protection, and sustainable management practices.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana made these comments during a virtual participation from the Bangladesh Secretariat at an event organized by the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA). The event, titled "The Potentiality of Bangladesh RMG Sector: The Way Forward," was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal as part of the Global Sourcing Expo 2025.
As the chief guest, Rizwana stressed the importance of compliance with labor laws, ensuring safe working conditions, efficient water management, and robust waste management governance to maintain global market competitiveness. She underscored the urgency of minimizing water wastage and adopting recycling systems, given the severe environmental threat industrial waste poses to rivers and canals.
Rizwana further highlighted Bangladesh's leadership in sustainability, pointing out that the country's garment sector boasts one of the world's highest numbers of Green Factory certified facilities. This achievement has elevated the sector to international standards of sustainable development. "You have set a powerful example," she praised.
She also mentioned the government's efforts to convert public buildings into green structures and urged the industrial sector to advance this transformation. Additionally, she stressed the importance of adhering to emerging environmental regulations in Europe and the United Kingdom, particularly concerning plastic packaging and supply-chain standards.
Rizwana concluded with a cautionary note, urging the garment industry to adapt quickly to the rapidly changing global markets. "Failure to adopt sustainable production methods and environmentally friendly packaging could make future competition more challenging," she warned.