Desk Report: The apparel industry is pivotal in Bangladesh’s economic growth and development. However, to sustain this momentum, we must prioritise sustainability and ethical practices,” speakers said at the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2024 on 5 March a t hotel in the capital.
The Opening Plenary session has set the stage with wisdom and insights from our esteemed luminaries, echoing the shared commitment to a sustainable apparel industry. Their words resonate, guiding us towards a future where innovation and responsibility come together for lasting impact.
Honourable Chief Guest, Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman emphasised the apparel industry’s critical role in the country’s economic growth and underscored the importance of continuous innovation and sustainable practices.
Towards a sustainable and competitive apparel industry in Bangladesh and beyond, the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2024 emphasized promoting decent work that focuses on a more ethical, equitable, and environment-friendly industry.
The Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, in partnership with ILO-IFC Better Work Bangladesh and in collaboration with GIZ and WaterAid, organised the SAF 2024 in Dhaka and convened government officials, industry leaders, and national and international partners to chart a path towards a more ethical and environmentally conscious future.
Highlighting the role of international cooperation, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s efforts towards sustainability.
Development cooperation plays a crucial role in promoting ethical practices, environmental conservation, and social inclusion within the apparel industry,” Whiteley noted.
Circular economy, sustainable solutions, fair prices, ethical consumption — all in the mix at the Sustainable Apparel Forum — are vital to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from the green transition, he said.
Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director, ILO, emphasised the importance of creating safe and dignified working conditions for all workers.
“Decent work is fundamental to sustainable development. By prioritising fair wages, safe working environments, and opportunities for career advancemen
The SAF 2024 was designed to bring together industry stakeholders this year to foster dialogue, share best practices, and drive action towards a more sustainable future in the apparel sector.
Through collaboration and innovation, we’re shaping a future where sustainability and competitiveness go hand in hand in Bangladesh’s apparel industry,” said Mostafiz Uddin, Founder & CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange.
Starting in the morning, SAF 2024 included nine sessions with keynotes, presentations and plenary sessions on Vision Bangladesh 2024 and Beyond; Behind the Seams: Decent Work Conditions and Livelihood in the RMG Industry: Perspectives on the Roles of Women Workers and Supervisory Practices; Future Opportunities in Sustainable Innovation; Sustainable use of Water in the Apparel Sector: Challenges, Opportunities and Ways Forward; Energy Sustainability: Navigating the Transition for Apparel and Textile Manufacturing in Bangladesh.
More than 500 people joined the forum. Ten booths from the ILO-IFC Better Work Bangladesh programme showcased the apparel industry’s good practices, depicting the core areas of services: assessment, advisory and training.
Mohiuddin Rubel, Additional Managing Director of Denim Expert Limited, the Managing Director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BEA), Director of BGMEA were present at the opening plenary session.
