Policy makers, industry leaders, brands’ representatives and fashion campaigners from home and abroad has gathered in Dhaka Tuesday to accelerate momentum of sustainability in Bangladesh apparel industry.
More than 50 speakers as well as 20 green growth exhibitors from over 20 countries has participated in the 3rd edition of Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) organized by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) partnering with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Current important apparel sustainability issues such as climate action, environmental social & governance (ESG) and green finance, purchasing practices, due diligence and legislation, and circular economy were discussed at the five plenary sessions along with opening and closing plenary of the SAF.
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 showcased 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. This is high-level networking where it has been discussed how we can turn the needle so that the lofty sustainability goals our industry so often talks about are translated into meaningful, practical actions?”
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.”
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. We believe that sustainability is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. We are committed to maintaining the excellence in social and environmental areas which we already achieved; also we focus on up-scaling our business capabilities.
”Stephanie Theirs-Ratcliffe, Director of European Brands and Retailers, Cotton Council International said: “Sustainability is no more an option, it’s a must for the fashion industry now. Cotton Council International is working to ensure the supply of sustainable cotton to the industry.”
Md. Mohiuddin Rubel, director of BGMEA and managing director, Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, said: “The global business landscape has been transformed to a new realism in the recent years and sustainability has become the core area of concern. The Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) envisages becoming a global forum on sustainability established in Bangladesh to promote the sustainability agenda within the textile and apparel supply chain.”
