Bangladesh government provides “Green Factory Award-2023” to 29 companies from 12 sectors today recognizing their role in enhancing productivity through the use of skilled workforce and eco-friendly technology in safe environments.
The awards were handed over to the representatives of the factories in a discussion meeting organised on the occasion of the National Occupational Health and Safety Day.
Mahmuda Attires Ltd a concern of Rising Group achieves green factory award for the recognition of their efforts and contribution to saving the environment and creating employment.
Hon. Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury MP Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament joined the award-giving ceremony as the chief guest. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, handed over Tk 1 lakh, a medal, a memento, and a certificate to each of the winners.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) marks the “World Day for Safety and Health at Work” on April 28 every year to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.
Following the ILO’s guideline, Bangladesh has also been observing the day by awarding factories in different sectors in recognition of their initiatives for protecting workers’ health and environmental protection. Nargis Akter, Chairman, and Muhammed Ashiqur Rahman, Director Mahmuda Attires Ltd received this prestigious award from Honorable Chief Guest. Mohammed Islam Chowdhury ( Sheikh), COO of Mahmuda Attires Ltd and other officials were present.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment organized the event at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka. State Minister for Labour and Employment Nazrul Islam Chowdhury MP, Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Inspector General (Additional Secretary), DIFE. Md. Mahbub Hossain, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director of International Labour Organization. HM Ibrahim MP, Chairman, Standing Committee on Ministry of. Labour and Employment at Bangladesh, BGMEA President(acting), Syed Nazrul Islam, Monsur Ahmed, Sr.VP of BKMEA, Ardashir Kabir, President of BEF was present at the award ceremony. Nargis Akter, Chairman, of Mahmuda Attires Ltd said, We at Rising Group understand our role in this movement. Keeping alliance with that movement, we have created Mahmuda Attires Ltd, our first green factory where we’ve integrated renewable energy sources, taken water reduction measures and ensured an ethical environment for all our stakeholders.
We’ve been a socially responsible business along the way. We don’t just create employment, we take care of our valued employees. Our employees are always under health checkups, and we organize workshops to make them more aware of their own health.she added.
She urged the government to honor all green garment factoires in Bangladesh with awards to recognize their contributions to protecting the environment.
She requested global brands and retailers to offer justified prices to green factories to encourage green initiatives in the apparel industry.
Currently, Bangladesh has the highest number of “green” garment factories as per certifications of United States Green Building Council (USGBC), according to data from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
Of these 215 factories, 80 are platinum rated, 120 gold, 10 silver and four green as per the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
