‘Built Environment’. Alongside his architectural practice, he has built a strong foundation in practical and research-based solutions by earning Master’s Degrees in Environmental Science and Disaster Management. He has also completed postgraduate-level training in Policy Analysis and Strategic Management. He is a regular “Member” of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) for more than 13 years.
In an exclusive conversation with Textile Focus, Architect Md. Mahamudur Rahman Papan shares his insights on Bangladesh’s growing green transformation in the industrial sector, the evolution of sustainable architecture in the textile and RMG industry, and the role of eco-friendly design in reducing environmental impact. He also discusses EDCBD’s experience in developing sustainable industrial projects, its specialized architectural and environmental consultancy services, and his vision of advancing Bangladesh’s built environment toward net-zero emissions, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient development.
Textile Focus: Bangladesh currently has over 300 LEED-certified factories. How do you view this ‘green transformation’ or eco-friendly shift within Bangladesh’s Industrial Sector?
Md. Mahamudur Rahman Papan: Bangladesh’s industrial sector is moving beyond regulatory compliance toward global environmental leadership. With over 300 LEED-certified factories, sustainability is now seen as a competitive advantage rather than a burden. Adopting passive architecture, efficient infrastructure, and advanced cooling technologies is reducing carbon emissions and operational costs while improving worker health and productivity. This green transformation positions Bangladesh as a global benchmark for sustainable industrialization.
Textile Focus: How many projects have you completed in the textile sector under the leadership of ‘Eco Design Consultants Bangladesh’ (EDCBD)?
Md. Mahamudur Rahman Papan: Through EDCBD, my team and I have designed and provided consultancy for numerous large-scale textile complexes, helping several achieve Sustainable Industrial Architecture and world-class Green Certification. Notable projects include the “Pahartali Textile Limited (Unit-2)” for the Ispahani Group, which achieved “LEED Platinum Certification.” We also developed a massive industrial ecosystem for the KFL Group in Gazipur, featuring large facilities like “KCTL.” Our current ongoing projects include the “Master Plan of Pahartali Textiles Ltd.” at Chittagong and “CUTE Dress & Industries Limited (Unit-2), a Highrise Industrial Factory – at Bathuli, Dhamrai. For over 13 years, we have gained work experience across various industrial sectors, including feed mills, footwear mills, packaging, etc., in addition to the RMG and textile sectors.
Textile Focus: What specific services do you provide?
Md. Mahamudur Rahman Papan: We provide comprehensive services required for sustainable Architecture and construction, especially in the Industrial Sector. Our core services include Architectural Design, Landscape Design, Interior Design, Environmental Impact Assessment, Research on Industrial Building Sustainability Policies and Strategies, Sustainable Site Assessment, drone and photogrammetric surveys, GIS Analysis and Mapping, etc. Additionally, we offer specialized consultancy services for “LEED Green Building Certification.”
Textile Focus: What is your Future Plan?
Md. Mahamudur Rahman Papan: My vision is to extend the scope of eco-friendly sustainable development beyond the confines of specific factories to encompass broader areas, including national infrastructure. At the same time, I aim to steer the architectural design and construction sectors toward ‘net-zero’ emissions, ensuring that our built environment and infrastructure actively contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. This approach ensures that architecture serves not merely as shelter but actively interacts with and performs in harmony with its surrounding environment.
