Photo : PID

DHAKA, Aug 11, 2026 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has stressed the need for effective and timely measures to ensure environmental compliance in the readymade garment and textile industries, taking into consideration the realities of the industries, their technological capabilities and international competitiveness.

He made the remarks at a review meeting on key environmental issues concerning the readymade garment and textile industries held today at the conference room of the Department of Environment.

The meeting discussed in detail various important issues related to environmental management in the readymade garment and textile industries. 

These included the Colour Parameter of water discharged from ETPs, implementation of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), water reuse and the 3R Policy (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), reliability of environmental sample collection and testing, the Mirror Testing Mechanism, renewal of environmental clearance certificates, installation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), generator noise control, air pollution management, Rainwater Harvesting, Water Recycling, Water Efficiency and Reject Water Management.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, in a written proposal, highlighted these issues as well as various technical and practical challenges related to environmental compliance in the sector.

The environment minister said the readymade garment and textile industries make important contributions to the country's economy, employment and export earnings. 

At the same time, he said, it is essential to ensure proper compliance with environmental laws and regulations to make the production processes of these industries more environment-friendly, resource-efficient and sustainable.

All concerned parties must work together in a coordinated manner to find rational and science-based solutions, while keeping the goal of environmental protection intact and taking into account the practical realities of the industries, he added.

Special guest at the meeting, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam said coordination between environmental protection and sustainable industrial development is essential.

Industrial establishments must play a more responsible role in adopting environment-friendly technologies, using water and other natural resources efficiently, and controlling pollution, he said. 

He called for setting achievable targets and attaining them gradually.

The meeting decided that discussions and technical coordination among the ministry, Department of Environment, industry associations and other stakeholders would continue to further strengthen environmental compliance in the readymade garment and textile industries.

International experts will be consulted on the use of effective chemicals in ETPs and incineration plants for sludge management.

The issues raised at the meeting will be reviewed considering the relevant laws and regulations, technological feasibility and the need for environmental protection.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Fahmida Khanam, acting secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 

Among others, Additional Secretary of the ministry Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, officials concerned, and representatives of the Department of Environment and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) attended the meeting.