Fakir Knitwears’ $1.7m N’ganj plant to treat 12 lakh litres wastewater a day
In a bold step towards sustainable water management, a leading Bangladeshi apparel exporter has unveiled a water reuse demonstration facility aimed at reducing groundwater extraction in the readymade garment sector.
Fakir Knitwears Ltd in Narayanganj, one of Bangladesh's most water-stressed industrial zones, started operations of the facility on 30 July. The facility is designed to reuse 4.38 lakh cubic metres of water annually, offering a model for eco-friendly manufacturing.
Fakir Knitwears said it's the first and largest water reuse treatment plant in the country's RMG sector, with one-third of its funding coming from the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme (SMEP) of the United Nations.
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In implementing the initiative, Fakir Knitwears has also collaborated with Primark, H&M, Water Aid, Grundfos, Panta Rei, and the World Bank's 2030 Water Resources Group.
"The total expenditure of the project is $1.7 million, where the SMEP contribution is $0.6 million. This is the first time the RMG sector has invested in SMEP for water treatment," Md Sazzad Hossain, deputy general manager of dyeing and sustainability at Fakir Knitwears, told The Business Standard.
Officials say by reducing 30% of fresh groundwater extraction annually, the facility will support Bangladesh's Sustainable Water Roadmap 2030. The project also aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
The facility is capable of treating around 12 lakh litres of dyeing polluted water every day, Sazzad added, noting that the guarantee for ultrafiltration spare parts is for five years, and other spare parts for three years.
The facility is designed to reuse 4.38 lakh cubic metres of water annually, cutting water consumption in production by 22%.
A model for scalable sustainability
The pilot facility is already being hailed by industry experts as a scalable model for other RMG factories.
Citing research, Lewys Isaac from Primark said at the launching event that over 90% of water bodies surrounding industrial zones in Bangladesh are now severely polluted. "The initiative represents hope – proof that the sector can change its trajectory."
Fakir Akhtaruzzaman, MD of Fakir Group, said, "With everyone's support, the project will set a benchmark in Bangladesh."
Ziaur Rahman, regional country manager of H&M, emphasised collaboration as the key to success. "To build a sustainable environment, we must all work together in unison."
National alliance and policy alignment
The facility marks the first major demonstration under the National Alliance for Water Reuse and Recycling launched in May 2025 by the Bangladesh government, the World Bank, and the Water Resources Planning Organisation (WARPO). The alliance's goal is to expand the use of sustainable water practices across the entire RMG sector.
The water reuse model used in the facility also directly supports national frameworks such as the Bangladesh Water Act (2013), the National Water Policy (1999), and the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, which aims to protect water resources amid rapid industrialisation.
Mohammad Lutfur Rahman, director of WARPO, said, "Water reuse is no longer optional – it's a necessity. If we want to ensure water security for future generations, industrial water efficiency must be at the heart of national policy."
Environmental and economic benefits
By reducing dependency on groundwater, the facility not only protects aquifers but also ensures more clean water is available to surrounding communities, contributing to improved public health and ecological balance.
Additionally, the project is expected to generate green jobs, offering new employment and upskilling opportunities for factory workers, water engineers, and maintenance staff in water treatment operations. Industry insiders believe the initiative will trigger a broader shift toward green manufacturing, helping Bangladesh maintain its competitive edge in the global apparel market.
"This is more than a factory upgrade – it's a critical step toward reshaping how the entire industry consumes and conserves water," said Robiul Alam, joint secretary of the water resources ministry, who attended as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony.
Bangladesh's RMG sector, which contributes over 80% of export earnings, now has a clear path to remain competitive while safeguarding natural resources. If replicated widely, this initiative could usher in a new era of sustainable industrialisation in South Asia, officials say.
