Fakir Fashion unveils first sustainability report

Fakir Fashion Ltd, one of the country's leading apparel exporters, has unveiled its first sustainability report titled "Greener by Design."

The report was launched on Wednesday (8 April) at an event held at the Grand Ballroom of Sheraton Dhaka, attended by industry leaders, development partners, and representatives of international brands.

Speaking at a panel discussion titled "From Compliance to Competitive Advantage: Leading Bangladesh's Evolution into a Global Sustainable Apparel Hub," participants said sustainability is no longer just about compliance; it has become a key driver of competitiveness in the global market.

Representatives from brands and buying houses—including H&M and Inditex—highlighted the challenges of implementing sustainable practices while maintaining business growth. Officials from C&A, Tom Tailor, New Yorker, NEXT, and El Corte Inglés were also present.

According to the report, the company has made notable progress across key sustainability indicators, including a 19% reduction in waste, a 7% decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity, and a 13% cut in energy consumption. It also reported harvesting 11.7 million litres of rainwater and continued investment in workforce development.

Industry insiders said such initiatives signal a broader shift in Bangladesh's apparel sector, where sustainability is increasingly seen as a strategic advantage rather than merely a compliance requirement.

International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Max Tunon said that following social and environmental standards is not a cost but beneficial for business. He described the initiative as a good example that others can follow and called for everyone to work together to protect the environment.

Speaking at the event Export Promotion Bureau Vice-Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif said that despite global challenges, Bangladesh's exports remain resilient, contributing around $40 billion annually to the economy. He urged a strategic shift toward ESG initiatives and man-made fibers to stay competitive.

Speaking at the event Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem said Fakir Fashion Ltd has set a milestone by becoming the first factory to publish a sustainability report under their joint initiative. He noted that environmental and social accountability are now global priorities, not just concepts.

Fakir Kamruzzaman Nahid, managing director of Fakir Fashion Ltd said, "Our promise is simple: to build sustainable clothes for a sustainable future."