Experts at a forum on Tuesday laid due emphasize on how to accelerate momentum of sustainability in Bangladesh apparel industry.
They were addressing the the 3rd edition of Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) organized by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) partnering with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA).
More than 50 speakers as well as 20 green growth exhibitors from over 20 countries including Policy makers, industry leaders, brands’ representatives and fashion campaigners from home and abroad have participated in the forum. Commerce minister Tipu Munshi attended the event as chief guest while , Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor and former president of BGMEA Md. Atiqul Islam, ambassador and head of delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Anne Van Leeuwen, ambassador of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Riaz Hamidullah, BGMEA president Faruque Hassan, executive president of BKMEA Mohammad Hatem, head of unit for social economy and creative industries of European Commission Anna Athanasopoulou were present among others.
Senior representatives from globally renowned recycling and renewable energy companies have been also in attendance as well as exhibit their sustainability and green technologies, products and solutions at the SAF. The SAF also showcaseed opportunities for much-needed green financing in the industry. Founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) Mostafiz Uddin said: “At this year’s SAF we have brought all the fashion stakeholders under one roof to accelerate the momentum of sustainability in Bangladesh apparel industry, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic which has had immense impact on global apparel supply chain.” In the opening plenary of the SAF, Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation and former President of BGMEA Md. Atiqul Islam said, “The RMG industry of Bangladesh has been vigilant in ensuring the safety regulations, especially after the disastrous event of Rana Plaza.”
He urges a collaborated approach to ensure more ethical and sustainable industry. Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh H.E. Anne Van Leeuwen said: “There has been significant improvements in the apparel industry of Bangladesh as per as safety and sustainability is concerned.
However, there is still work to be done to promote sustainability in the sector for which stakeholders’ engagement and collaboration is the key.”
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said: “Today the clothing factories of Bangladesh are not only safer, but also have become more dynamic, modern, energy-efficient and environment-friendly. Bangladesh has the highest number of green garment factories in the world”.
