Dhaka:Industry experts highlighted the critical need to integrate environmental compliance with innovative industrial management strategies to boost the global competitiveness of Bangladesh's textile and garment sector. This was the focus at the seminar titled 'Technical Seminar on Advancing Innovation and Sustainability Management,' part of the Textile Innovation Expo 2026 held in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the seminar featured participation from experts in the garment and textile sectors, policymakers, and sustainable development representatives. Discussions centered on strategies to meet stringent international regulations, as sustainable production is becoming mandatory in global garment trade.
The seminar included keynote presentations by Urmi Group Sustainability Lead ABM Faqrul Alam and ZDHC Foundation Bangladesh Country Manager S M Raihan Hossain. Speakers noted the fashion industry's significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions and wastewater production. They emphasized the European Union's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and the mandatory Digital Product Passport, which require brands to demonstrate responsible resource use in their supply chains.
Bangladesh's status as home to over 290 LEED-certified green factories was highlighted, alongside its annual usage of approximately 1,500 billion liters of water in textile wet processing. Efficient resource use and chemical management were identified as crucial factors for maintaining long-term competitiveness.
The panel discussion was moderated by Md Abdul Muhit, Sustainability Manager of Amin and Jahan Corporation Ltd. Panelists included Prof. Dr. Ummul Khair Fatema from Bangladesh University of Textiles, DBL Group's Senior Manager of Sustainability Mashook Mujib Chowdhury, Envoy Textiles Limited's Additional General Manager of Sustainability Mohammad Al Tauhidul Islam, and Mehedi Hasan Rubel, Country Relationship Manager at Bluesign Technologies. At the seminar's conclusion, Textile Innovation Exchange Chairman Engineer Ehsanul Karim Kaiser presented mementos to the panelists.