Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has urged the business community and international partners to collaborate with their Bangladeshi counterparts in transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable and sustainable energy sources.
She emphasised that energy supply shortages over the past two years have severely impacted industries, making sustainable energy solutions essential for both the country and the sector.
She made these remarks while delivering the chief guest address at the inaugural ceremony of the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2025, organised by the Netherlands Embassy at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden.
Highlighting the need for a more responsible approach to sustainability, the Environment Adviser stated, “Having green factories or the highest number of environmentally certified factories does not automatically mean the sector is operating sustainably.”
She stressed that the garment industry is not only energy-intensive but also heavily reliant on water and chemical management, making responsible production practices crucial.
She pointed out that while Bangladesh is a water-abundant country, many industrial zones are experiencing declining groundwater levels, which are affecting local communities.
The government is now considering a charge for industrial water usage and will categorize industries based on water consumption while offering incentives for recycling initiatives, she informed.
Addressing chemical waste management, she revealed that the government, in collaboration with German partners, is working on a Chemical Waste Management Rule, which is expected to be finalised soon.
She emphasised the importance of having nationally endorsed chemical handling and management regulations to ensure environmental and workplace safety.
On the issue of labor practices, the Adviser called for a shift in mindset regarding Bangladesh’s garment industry.
“The term ‘cheap labor’ should be removed from our vocabulary when discussing sustainability. It must be a shared responsibility between producers and consumers,” she asserted, emphasising ethical sourcing and fair business practices.
She encouraged greater engagement with innovative organisations and technology providers to drive sustainability in the apparel industry, which remains the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy.
“We look forward to strengthening partnerships that are responsible and set new standards of excellence,” she concluded.
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Andre Carstens, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun also spoke on the occasion.
