Bangladesh’s Garment Industry Forges Ahead: BGMEA Champions Government Collaboration for Sustainable Growth in RMG Sector. Talukder Testulia Post 045

By Talukder Testulia, , Washington DC, January 29, 2024. Post 045.    

Bangladesh Garment Industry Takes Green Strides: BGMEA President Urges Government Support for Sustainable Growth”

In a significant development, Faruque Hassan, the president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), has called upon the government to bolster support for the country’s booming ready-made garment (RMG) industry. During a meeting with RAM Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury, the Minister of Housing and Public Works, Faruque emphasized the need for faster and seamless services from government bodies, specifically highlighting Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK).The discussions, attended by key industry figures such as former BGMEA president Md Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, director Neela Hosna Ara, and BGMEA’s Standing Committee on Labour and ILO Affairs chair ANM Saifuddin, revolved around the current state and future prospects of Bangladesh’s RMG sector.

A notable highlight of the meeting was Faruque’s emphasis on the industry’s commendable progress in terms of workplace safety and environmental sustainability. Bangladesh currently boasts the highest number of green garment buildings globally, with 207 factories LEED certified by the US Green Building Council. Of these, 77 are Platinum rated, and 116 are Gold rated.

Faruque expressed optimism about the industry’s transition towards sustainable business practices, citing the growing number of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly garment factories in Bangladesh. He believes that this green transition will not only enhance Bangladesh’s competitive edge in the global market but also solidify its position as a leader in sustainable garment manufacturing.

However, Faruque underscored the crucial role of government support in this transition, urging for policy assistance and easy access to finance to further facilitate the growth of green industries in the country. Additionally, he called for the streamlining of business-related laws and regulations, including taxation, value-added tax (VAT), and other facets of cross-border trade, to create a more business-friendly environment.

This plea comes at a crucial juncture when Bangladesh’s RMG industry is making significant strides towards sustainability, and government support is deemed vital to propel the sector to new heights on the global stage.