Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has urged the business community and international partners to collaborate with their Bangladeshi counterparts to transition from fossil fuel-dependent energy production to renewable and sustainable sources. She emphasized that energy supply shortages in the past two years have severely impacted industries, making sustainable energy solutions a necessity for both the country and the industry.

She made these remarks while delivering the chief guest address at the inaugural ceremony of the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2025, organized by the Netherlands Embassy at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden.

Highlighting the need for a more responsible approach to sustainability, the Environment Advisor stated, “Having green factories or the highest number of environmentally certified factories does not automatically mean the sector is operating sustainably.” She stressed that the garment industry is not only energy-intensive but also heavily reliant on water and chemical management, making responsible production practices crucial.

She pointed out that while Bangladesh is a water-abundant country, many industrial zones are experiencing declining groundwater levels, affecting local communities. The government is now considering a charge for industrial water usage and will categorize industries based on water consumption while offering incentives for recycling initiatives.

Addressing chemical waste management, she revealed that the government, in collaboration with German partners, is working on a Chemical Waste Management Rule, which is expected to be finalized soon. She emphasized the importance of having nationally endorsed chemical handling and management regulations to ensure environmental and workplace safety.

On the issue of labor practices, the Advisor called for a shift in mindset regarding Bangladesh’s garment industry. “The term ‘cheap labor’ should be removed from our vocabulary when discussing sustainability. It must be a shared responsibility between producers and consumers,” she asserted, emphasizing ethical sourcing and fair business practices.

She encouraged greater engagement with innovative organizations and technology providers to drive sustainability in the apparel industry, which remains the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy. We look forward to strengthening partnerships that are responsible and set new standards of excellence, she concluded.

Michael Miller, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh; Andre Carstens, Ambassador of the Netherlands and Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun, Executive Chairma, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority also spoke in the occasion.