Bangladesh apparel industry to continue focus on safety, sustainability

Bangladesh’s garment industry aims to carry forward the achievements of the sector and sustain its reputation as a safe and sustainable industry, says Faruque Hassan, President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). Hassan was speaking at a discussion titled, ‘On the road to sustainability and a transparent supply chain’ organized by OAV – German Asia-Pacific Business Association, the German importers, and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Berlin, and hosted by Wünsche Group Friday.

Hassan says, Bangladesh has the highest number of LEED Green factories in the world, with 161 green factories certified by the USGBC, of which 48 are platinum-rated and 99 are gold-rated, and these green factories are equipped with all the eco-friendly features and emit 40 percent less carbon than a conventional factory.

The BGMEA has joined the German Green Button initiative which identifies socially and ecologically sustainable textiles that are placed on the market by responsible companies. It publishes all factory inspection reports online, setting an unique example in the world on the issue of workplace safety.

The discussion was also attended by Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Germany, Miran Ali, Vice President, BGMEA; Christian Moritz, Managing Director, Wunsche Gruppe;, Almut Roessner, Executive Board Member, OAV, Dr Michael Arretz, CEO, VFI; Christian Ewert, Global Director, TEDD – Trusted Experts on Due Diligence, and Md Saiful Islam, Commercial Counsellor, Bangladesh Embassy in Berlin.