BGMEA iterates will to combat climate change in RMG industry

BGMEA leaders at a multi=stakeholder meeting held at a hotel in the capital on Monday.

Dhaka, Aug 19 - The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) reaffirmed its commitment to combating climate change at a multi-stakeholder working group meeting organized by the German development agency GIZ and Solidaridad Network Asia.

The meeting focused on developing a future action plan for sustainable development and climate change mitigation in Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The meeting was held on Monday in a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, according to a press release.

BGMEA Vice President Vidiya Amrit Khan and Director Sheikh Hossain Muhammad Mustafiz represented the association at the event. Vidiya shared her valuable insights on the future of the sector, while Mustafiz detailed BGMEA’s various initiatives to address climate change.

The meeting brought together representatives from garment factories, international brands, donor agencies, and service providers to work on a common climate action plan. Discussions highlighted the urgent need to formulate policies to reduce carbon emissions, simplify financing processes, and ensure collective responsibility.

BGMEA announced that it is currently implementing various initiatives, including energy-saving measures, adopting renewable energy, and establishing a circularity project and an ESG data platform, to create a greener and more resilient future for the industry.

Participants emphasized that international brands must act as true partners, not just buyers, by investing in and providing incentives for sustainable initiatives. Through group activities, stakeholders identified key challenges, such as policy gaps and financing limitations. They also discussed effective solutions for coordinated climate targets and the promotion of renewable energy use.

The meeting underscored that collaboration is essential to combat climate change. With collective efforts, Bangladesh's RMG sector can become a global role model for sustainable production. - UNB