DHAKA, August 11, 2026: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has stressed the need for practical, timely and technology-driven measures to ensure environmental compliance in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) and textile industries while maintaining their competitiveness in global markets.
He made the remarks at a review meeting on key environmental issues in the RMG and textile sectors held at the Department of Environment’s conference room on Tuesday.
The meeting discussed a range of environmental management challenges, including colour parameters in effluent discharged from effluent treatment plants (ETPs), zero liquid discharge (ZLD), water reuse and the 3R policy—Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Other issues included the reliability of environmental sampling and testing, mirror testing, renewal of environmental clearances, sewage treatment plants (STPs), generator noise control, air pollution management, rainwater harvesting, water recycling and efficiency, and reject water management.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan presented written proposals highlighting technical and practical challenges faced by the industry in meeting environmental compliance requirements.
Minister Mintoo said the RMG and textile industries play a vital role in Bangladesh’s economy, employment generation and export earnings. Ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations is essential to make industrial production more sustainable, resource-efficient and environmentally friendly, he added.
He called for coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to develop scientifically sound and practical solutions that protect the environment while taking into account the realities and technological capabilities of the industry.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, who attended the meeting as a special guest, said environmental protection and sustainable industrial development must go hand in hand.
He urged industries to adopt cleaner technologies, improve the efficient use of water and other natural resources, and strengthen pollution-control measures. He also called for setting realistic targets and achieving them through a phased approach.
