RMG must take more proactive role in eco-friendly production: Rizwana

Highlights

• Main takeaways from the session
• BKMEA claims foreign buyers hesitant over security issues
• Hatem warns labour amendments may hurt the sector
• Rizwana urges greener production in garment industry
• Industries told to strengthen labour, safety standards
• Industries encouraged to follow EU and UK rules
• Recycling, water-saving measures emphasised for competitiveness

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan yesterday said Bangladesh's export-oriented industries play a vital role in building the country's global branding and identity. 

"Today, 'Made in Bangladesh' stands as a symbol of pride in the international market," she said while virtually joining an event from the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) arranged the event titled "The Potentiality of Bangladesh RMG Sector: The Way Forward," held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal as part of the Global Sourcing Expo 2025.

Speaking as the chief guest, the adviser said, "To sustain this reputation, the garment industry must take a more proactive role in environment-friendly production, protection of labour rights, and sustainable management practices."

Rizwana said compliance with labour laws, ensuring a safe working environment, efficient water management, and strong governance in waste management are now essential to maintaining competitiveness in the global market.

Environmental risks highlighted

She reiterated the need for minimising water wastage and adopting recycling systems, as pollution of rivers and canals by industrial waste poses a serious threat to both the environment and the industries.

The environment adviser said the government will be compelled to take strict measures against any violations.

Highlighting Bangladesh's global leadership in sustainability, she noted that the country's garment sector now hosts some of the world's highest numbers of Green Factory certified facilities, which has positioned the sector on the international standard of sustainable development. 

"You have set a powerful example," she said. 

Rizwana said while the government is working to convert public buildings into green structures, the industrial sector can play a major role in advancing this transformation.

She also underscored the importance of complying with emerging environmental regulations in Europe and the United Kingdom – particularly regarding plastic packaging and supply chain standards.

The adviser cautioned that global markets are changing rapidly and urged the garment industry to prepare without delay.

"Failure to adopt sustainable production methods and environmentally friendly packaging could make future competition more challenging," she added.

Security concerns raised

At the event, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem warned that security concerns are discouraging foreign buyers from visiting the country.

However, his claim was disputed by Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin.

Hatem stated that a segment of foreign buyers is choosing not to visit Bangladesh, citing security concerns and political uncertainty.

Bashir disagreed with the BKMEA president's assessment, speaking to reporters after the event, "There is no significant lack of security in Bangladesh."

"Misinformation often circulates about many third-world countries, creating unnecessary fear," he added. 

He maintained, "But in our country, there is no major security deficiency that disrupts people's normal movement."

The adviser further pointed out that foreign buyers who do visit Bangladesh typically adhere to security protocols issued by their respective countries.

Debate over labour laws

The BKMEA president, at the event, also warned that the country's apparel industry may face a crisis similar to the one previously seen in the jute sector due to the recent labour law amendments, which Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan disagreed with.  

"Through the changes in labour laws for this sector, it appears that the seeds of destruction have been sown – just as happened in the jute sector – which will become visible over time," he said. 

"We are ready to hand over the keys of our factories within a year to them; we hope they will be able to run the industry as well as they run the government," he added.

Disagreeing with him, Rizwana said Bangladesh's apparel industry has established a strong international brand image that must be protected.

"It would not have been difficult to adapt to the labour law changes; this situation should not have arisen," she added.

She stressed that the sector must remain sustainable.