POBNEWS24, Dhaka, Mar 16, 2023 : Seeking everyone’s cooperation to make Bangladesh’s garment industry sustainable, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said government policies can transform the waste-based economy of the garment industry into a renewable economy.
He said this while addressing as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the fourth Sustainable Apparel Forum at the Grand Ballroom of Radisson Blue Water Garden in the capital today (Thursday).
Bangladesh Apparel Exchange and Lods Foundation jointly organized this event.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said that currently Bangladesh is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. “I think the garment industry can be made sustainable in two ways. One is the government policy to transform the garment industry’s waste-based economy into a renewable economy. The second one is the cooperation of all in achieving the goals of sustainable apparel industry”.
“The current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is giving full support in transforming the waste-based economy of the garment industry into a renewable economy. Various initiatives have already been taken to make the garment industry sustainable. We can achieve better results in this field through everyone’s coordination and cooperation”.
At this time, he urged everyone to commit themselves to unite in making the garment industry sustainable.
Peter Haas, the USA Ambassador to Bangladesh, said that the role of the garment industry behind Bangladesh’s economic development over the past few decades is undeniable. The United States is also happy to be the main destination for Bangladeshi product exports. At the same time, the US is proud to be the main (foreign) investor in Bangladesh.
Mentioning the garment workers as one of the products of sustainable clothing industry, he further said that many labor organizations in Bangladesh still do not get the freedom to exercise their fundamental rights. That is why we are concerned. We are committed to supporting workers’ rights around the world. We believe, competent workforce is directly linked to sustainability. Therefore, along with the sustainable economic growth of garments and other sectors, workers’ rights must also be ensured.
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, Managing Director of KDS and Chairman of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited Salim Rahman, Executive Chairman of Epic Group Ranjan Mahtani, Head of Labor Rights Program of Lods Foundation Noreen Chowdhury were also present at the event.
