Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. File Photo

DHAKA, Dec 1, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said Bangladesh's export-oriented industries play a vital role in building the country's global branding and identity. 

"Today, 'Made in Bangladesh' stands as a symbol of pride in the international market," she noted.

To sustain this reputation, the adviser said, the garment industry must take a more proactive role in environment-friendly production, protection of labour rights, and sustainable management practices.

The environment adviser made the remarks while joining virtually an event from the Bangladesh Secretariat here. 

The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) arranged the event titled "The Potentiality of Bangladesh RMG Sector: The Way Forward", held at Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal as part of the Global Sourcing Expo 2025.

Speaking as the chief guest, Rizwana said compliance with labour laws, ensuring a safe working environment, efficient water management, and strong governance in waste management are now essential to maintaining competitiveness in the global market.

 She reiterated the need for minimising water wastage and adopting recycling systems as pollution of rivers and canals, by industrial waste, poses a serious threat to both the environment and the industries.

The environment adviser said the government will be compelled to take strict measures against any violations.

Highlighting Bangladesh's global leadership in sustainability, she noted that the country's garment sector now hosts some of the world's highest numbers of Green Factory certified facilities, which has positioned the sector on the international standard of sustainable development. 

"You have set a powerful example," she said. 

Rizwana said while the government is working to convert public buildings into green structures, the industrial sector can play a major role in advancing this transformation.

She also underscored the importance of complying with emerging environmental regulations in Europe and the United Kingdom - particularly regarding plastic packaging and supply-chain standards.

The adviser cautioned that global markets are changing rapidly and urged the garment industry to prepare without delay.
 
"Failure to adopt sustainable production methods and environmentally friendly packaging could make future competition more challenging," she added.

BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, among others, also spoke at the event.