The government is considering charging industrial unit owners for water usage and will categorise industries based on water consumption while offering incentives for recycling initiatives, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan yesterday.
The government, in collaboration with German partners, is working on a Chemical Waste Management Rule, which is expected to be finalised soon to endorse chemical handling and management regulations to ensure environmental and workplace safety.
The adviser urged the business community and international partners to collaborate with their Bangladeshi counterparts to transition from fossil fuel-dependent energy production to renewable and sustainable sources.
She emphasised that energy supply shortages in the past two years have severely impacted industries, making sustainable energy solutions a necessity for both the country and the industry.
“Having green factories or the highest number of environmentally certified factories does not automatically mean the sector is operating sustainably,” she said, adding that the garment industry is not only energy-intensive but also heavily reliant on water and chemical management, making responsible production practices crucial.
“The term ‘cheap labour’ should be removed from our vocabulary when discussing sustainability,” the adviser also said.
“It must be a shared responsibility between producers and consumers,” she asserted, emphasising ethical sourcing and fair business practices.
She made these remarks at the inaugural ceremony of the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2025, jointly organised by Bangladesh Apparel Forum (BAE) and the Netherlands Embassy at Radisson Hotel in Dhaka.
Michael Miller, the EU ambassador to Bangladesh, said that EU consumers have benefited from good value and high-quality products imported from Bangladesh.
“Partnerships between the EU and Bangladesh must evolve as we move forward,” Miller said.
“We look to Bangladesh to increase its ambition when it comes to renewables. The EU is determined to work with Bangladesh to ensure it is equipped with the capacity to provide opportunities for sustainable development,” Miller added.
Andre Carstens, head of mission of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, said, “The Netherlands values its partnership with Bangladesh and recognises Bangladesh’s leading role in the global RMG industry. We are committed to working together with Bangladesh to navigate its challenges.”
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), said, “We, as a country, would like to be the leader in sustainable apparel by 2040.”
Mostafiz Uddin, founder and chief executive officer of the BAE, said, “If you look into the efforts, we are creating collaboration and connection, increasing opportunity and investment, and further integrating the business. I think our initiatives will continue, and we will be doing impactful initiatives toward a sustainable future.”
In addition, the Netherlands Circular Textile Trade mission to Bangladesh is scheduled from February 10-13, according to a statement.
With the participation of 18 Dutch companies leading in circularity and renewable energy, attendees found unparalleled opportunities for networking and matchmaking at the SAF.
