Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today urged the business community and international partners to collaborate with their Bangladeshi counterparts to transition from fossil fuel-dependent energy production to renewable and sustainable sources. Report BSS
She said energy supply shortages in the past two years severely affected industries, making sustainable energy solutions a necessity for both the country and the industry.
She made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest address at the inaugural ceremony of the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2025.
The Netherlands Embassy in Dhaka arranged the event at a city hotel.
Highlighting the need for a more responsible approach to sustainability, the Environment Adviser said: "Having green factories or the highest number of environmentally certified factories does not automatically mean the sector is operating sustainably."
She said the garment industry is not only energy-intensive but also heavily reliant on water and chemical management, making responsible production practices crucial.
While Bangladesh is a water-abundant country, many industrial zones are experiencing declining groundwater levels, affecting local communities, she added.
Rizwana said the government is now considering a charge for industrial water usage and will categories industries based on water consumption while offering incentives for recycling initiatives.
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 finalized soon.
She emphasized the importance of having nationally endorsed chemical handling and management regulations to ensure environmental and workplace safety.
On the issue of labour practices, the adviser called for a shift in mindset regarding Bangladesh's garment industry.
"The term 'cheap labour' should be removed from our vocabulary when discussing sustainability. It must be a shared responsibility between producers and consumers," she asserted, emphasizing ethical sourcing and fair business practices.
Rizwana encouraged greater engagement with innovative organizations 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 said.
Michael Miller, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh; Andre Carstens, Ambassador of the Netherlands; and Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority; also spoke on the occasion.
