Bangladesh-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) hosted a seminar on the German Due Diligence Supply Chain Act in Dhaka on September 14.
The event brought together distinguished industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the significance of human rights and environmental due diligence in the global business landscape.
Faruque Hassan, President of Bangladesh of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), attended the seminar as chief guest.
Dr. Michael Klode, Project Manager, Programme for Sustainability in the Textile and Leather Sector (STILE), GIZ gave a presentation on German Due Diligence Supply Chain Act, focusing on different aspects of the new law.
M. Maksud, President, and Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Senior Vice President of BGCCI also spoke at the seminar.
In his speech as chief guest, President Faruque Hassan emphasized the critical importance of addressing human rights and environmental concerns in today’s interconnected global economy.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s vision for sustainability, President Faruque Hassan outlined BGMEA’s Sustainability Vision 2030, which includes ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, sustainable raw material usage, groundwater usage, chemical usage, energy consumption, and deforestation.
The vision also emphasizes inclusive work practices, gender equality, and good governance, with an online data platform to monitor progress.
He stressed the need for learning about due diligence protocols, capacity building, and transparency to ensure future business success.
BGMEA’s commitment to supporting manufacturers in adapting to new regulations was highlighted with the establishment of the ‘Responsible Business Hub.’ This dedicated unit, supported by GIZ, serves as an information center, providing training, awareness, and guidance on Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence.
The President also called upon stakeholders, particularly buyers, to consider the cost of compliance and collaborate to share the burden, ensuring competitiveness and fairness.
He emphasized the need for uniformity among different international legislation to avoid conflicting obligations.
President Faruque Hassan stressed the importance of continuous attention and collaboration among supply chain stakeholders to create an enabling environment for responsible business practices.
