Mathilde, queen of Belgium, visited a garment factory in Narayanganj on Monday to witness the progress of Bangladesh’s ready-made garments (RMG) industry on social, environmental and economic fronts and its contribution to women’s empowerment and their welfare.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan accompanied Queen Mathilde during her visit to Fakir Apparels Limited and apprised her of how the apparel industry had been making a difference for millions of people, especially women by creating job opportunities for them, thus paving the way for their inclusion in the mainstream economy, read a press release.
He also briefed her about the exemplary achievements of Bangladesh’s RMG industry in the areas of workplace safety, environmental sustainability and workers’ rights.
Faruque Hassan told Queen Mathilde about BGMEA’s sustainable strategic vision- 2030 which aims to accelerate the growth of the RMG industry in a manner that is sustainable and positively impacts the economy, the environment and the lives of peoples.
In line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), the RMG industry aims to reduce carbon emission, energy and ground water usages, and increase use of sustainable raw materials, and renewable energy, he added.
Queen Mathilde praised the transition of Bangladesh’s RMG industry towards sustainable and responsible manufacturing and also the progress in workers’ rights and welfare.
The BGMEA president requested the Belgian queen to share the positive stories of Bangladesh’s apparel industry at global platforms and with the international community.
International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Executive President Mohammad Hatem were also present during the queen’s visit.
Fakir Maniruzzaman, managing director of Fakir Apparels Limited, welcomed the Belgian queen to the factory to see the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, environment-friendly practices and technologies and various initiatives taken by the factory for workers’ welfare.
Queen Mathilde has been appointed by the UN secretary general as one of the 17 SDG Advocates for 2021-2023 as an inspiring and influential individual raising global awareness of the SDGs and the need for accelerated action.
