Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called on the business community and international partners to work alongside Bangladeshi stakeholders in shifting from fossil fuel-based energy production to renewable and sustainable sources.
She made the call while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2025, organiseed by the Netherlands Embassy at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden on Tuedsay.
“Sustainability is not just about having green or environmentally certified factories. The garment industry remains energy-intensive, and its reliance on water and chemical management demands a more responsible approach,” she said.
She said that despite Bangladesh's overall water abundance, declining groundwater levels in industrial zones are affecting local communities.
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To address this, the government is considering imposing charges on industrial water usage and categorising industries based on their consumption levels, with incentives for recycling initiatives.
Regarding chemical waste management, Rizwana said the government, in collaboration with German partners, is finalising a Chemical Waste Management Rule to establish nationally endorsed chemical handling and management regulations, ensuring environmental and workplace safety.
On labor practices, she urged a shift in perspective on Bangladesh’s garment industry. “We must eliminate the term ‘cheap labour’ when discussing sustainability.
Ethical sourcing and fair business practices should be a shared responsibility between producers and consumers, she said.
Encouraging deeper engagement with innovative organizations and technology providers, Rizwana highlighted the apparel sector’s role as Bangladesh’s economic backbone and called for stronger partnerships to set new sustainability standards.
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European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Netherlands Ambassador Andre Carstens, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun were present.