The RMG industry of Bangladesh is committed to continue its strides in the area of environmental sustainability in order to retain its fame as sustainable sourcing destination in the world, said BGMEA president Faruque Hassan. “We are now entering into such a regime where only economic value of a product will be not enough, the non-economic intrinsic value of product will also play a vital role,” he said. “Our industry is going green in aligned with the changing business landscape not only to remain competitive but also to contribute to minimizing the adverse impacts of production on the environment we live in,” he added. Also read: BGMEA claiming 100 percent salaries, bonuses paid to RMG workforce He was speaking at an Iftar Mahfil organized by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) at Hotel Amari in Dhaka on Saturday.  Around 75 LEED projects, which got certified after May 2019, were accorded appreciation while a special acknowledgment provided to around 30 LEED Platinum-certified projects in the event. BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Directors Inamul Haq Khan (Bablu), Md. Imranur Rahman and Neela Hosna Ara were present at the event. Also read:Speakers call for ensuring functional safety committees in RMG factories Santanu Dutta Gupta, USGBC Faculty, Regional Head - Market Development GBCI – Eastern India, Bangladesh & Vietnam Markets attended the program. LEEED consultants, LEED faculties, Green architects, and other stakeholders of USGBC were present also present.  Faruque Hassan said Bangladesh is proud to have the highest number of green garment factories in the world with 160 LEED certified by USGBC, of which 48 are platinum, 98 are gold. The number of green garment factories in Bangladesh is on the rise. Being green makes it easier for the factories to comply many the strategic priorities of brands which mainly aim to reduce negative impacts of manufacturing on the environment, he said. Besides a green factory provides a good working environment with desired thermal comfort for workers, hygiene, mental peace, and well-being, he remarked. "We believe that sustainability is a continuous stride and we have to continue the marathon to take the industry to the level of excellence,” the BGMEA President said.

Dekko ISHO Group has signed a monetary and strategic capital investment agreement with Eco Via, a bioplastic initiative with its own innovation in compostable polymer, led by three young entrepreneurs from Dhaka. The signing ceremony was held in Dekko ISHO’s corporate office and attended by Prottoy Hossain, Director of Dekko ISHO Group, and the co-founders of Eco Via: Rashik Hassan, Riasat Zaman, and Ashfaqul Azam. “This endeavor is a step towards integrating more sustainable practices in our business operations,” said Prottoy Hossain, Director. He said they believe Eco Via will play a big role in ensuring global environmental sustainability and they are proud to be a part of their future endeavors. Also read: PM calls for massive tree plantation to save environment