In the first five months of 2024, Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable fashion, with 12 factories earning LEED certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building rating system that emphasizes environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. This recent accomplishment brings Bangladesh's total to 218 LEED-certified green factories, underscoring the country's commitment to green initiatives within the garment sector, according to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Mohiuddin Rubel. RMG Sustainability Council holds meeting to discuss issues affecting industry Of the 218 certified factories, 84 have achieved the highest, platinum rating, 120 have earned gold, 10 silver, and 4 are certified, as reported by the BGMEA. In the first five months of 2024, eight of the newly certified factories received the platinum rating, while the remaining four were awarded gold. Notable performers include S.M. Sourcing with 106 points and Green Textiles Limited Unit 4 with 104 points. Other high scorers include Integra Dresses and Knit Asia Limited, both achieving 99 points, Remi Holdings Ltd with 97 points, and Fatullah Apparels, also scoring 97 points. Bangladesh’s achievement positions the country as a leader in the global sustainable fashion movement, with 56 out of the 100 LEED-certified green factories worldwide located here, according to BGMEA. This includes 9 of the top 10 and 18 of the top 20 LEED-certified factories globally, based on BGMEA data. RMG exports up by almost 5pc in FY 2023-24 The geographic distribution of these certifications within Bangladesh illustrates the RMG industry's widespread commitment to sustainability. By proactively achieving LEED ratings, Bangladesh's garments industry is setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship, positioning the country as a key player in the global push for more sustainable manufacturing practices.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association has requested Switzerland to consider an extension of the EBA (Everything but Arms) scheme under its GSP programme for 10 years to help Bangladesh's smoother transition to a developing economy. Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard, accompanied by Thomas Baumgartner, Head of Political, Economic, and Cultural Affairs met the President of BGMEA  Faruque Hassan at the latter’s office in the city on Tuesday and discussed the trade issues. Read BGMEA wants continuation of 0.5 per cent source tax BGMEA's first Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, and Vice President Md. Shahidullah Azim attended the meeting. The discussions covered issues pertinent to the readymade garment industry in Bangladesh and its progress in the area of social and environmental sustainability. Also read: BGMEA chief underlines importance of enhanced productivity

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Saturday said its president Dr Rubana Huq did not “announce” anything about job cuts in the industry from June - although it wasn’t taken as such anyway.