Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Bangladesh organized a multi-stakeholder roundtable in Dhaka on 29 May, 2024. The event focused on promoting a just and inclusive green transition and environmental sustainability in Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry.
ETI Bangladesh's Senior Manager - Programme, Evidence & Learning, Munir Uddin Shamim welcomed the participants. He highlighted ETI Bangladesh’s Strategic goal on climate change and worker rights. He explained two pilot projects: the Green Social Dialogue Programme at the workplace level and a Project on promoting just transition and environmental sustainability in the Bangladesh’s RMG industry at the sectoral level.
The roundtable, attended by representatives from business associations, trade unions, suppliers, global brands, academia, MSIs, LROs, and international bi-lateral agencies including embassy, aimed to create an open space for stakeholders to engage in dialogue and identify the next steps towards a just and inclusive green energy transition.
Using an "Appreciative Inquiry" approach, the event encouraged participants to focus on positive idea generation, identifying existing assets and opportunities and best practices.
The panel included Abdullah Hil Rakib, Vice President, BGMEA and Managing Director, Team Group; Mohammad Rashed, Vice President, BKMEA and Chairman & Managing Director, Pacific Sweaters Ltd; Dr. Michael Klode, Commission Manager, Programme for Sustainability in the Textile and Leather Sector (STILE), GIZ; Kazi Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, South Asia Regional Sustainability Manager, Lindex; Babul Akter, President, Worker Resource Center & President, Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGWF); and Rokhsana Bilkis Lucky, Group DGM, Aman- Unifill Group.
The Panelists highlighted the need for all stakeholder’s factory owners, workers, trade unions, business associations, brands, government, and international partners—to collaborate for a more sustainable industry.
Rokhsana Bilkis Lucky from Aman- Unifill Group shared that their 30 units are mostly green, with initiatives such as changing lights, replacing boilers, and using solar panels, resulting in significant energy savings. She also mentioned the implementation of Green Social Dialogue Progrmme in a factory in partnership with ETI Bangladesh and TESCO.
Mohammad Rashed from BKMEA mentioned the introduction of a green pact and the need to cluster smaller factories to help them implement green initiatives.
Abdullah Hil Rakib from BGMEA shared that there are currently 218 LEED-certified factories in Bangladesh, showcasing the industry's commitment to sustainability. We are committed to achieving SDG targets and government priorities related to climate change and environmental sustainability, he added.
Babul Akter highlighted the RMG sector's positive change in Bangladesh’s RMG sector since the 1990s, highlighting improvements in the post-Rana Plaza period. However, automation has led to decreased worker numbers, especially among women. He emphasized the need for just transitions, adherence to labor laws, international standards, and trade union involvement to ensure environmental sustainability.
Dr. Michael Klode from GIZ stressed that climate change is not just a problem for the RMG sector but a threat affecting the entire world. He highlighted that countries like Bangladesh are currently paying the heaviest price, addressing the need for immediate action. He also highlighted numerous initiatives undertaken by development partners on climate change, green transition and environmental sustainability.
Challenges were also discussed, these included the high costs of implementing and maintaining green initiatives, particularly for SMEs; difficulty in making workers aware of energy-saving practices; green certifications not always translating into increased orders or better pricing from brands; job losses, especially among women, due to automation and factory closures; green factory benefits not extending to workers; technical risks such as green factories potentially losing status if energy standards change; groundwater depletion; and the need to understand whether green transitions are driven by profit motives or environmental concerns. Additionally, there are challenges in clustering smaller factories, finding tailored solutions, and ensuring worker rights, decent workplaces, and inclusivity in the transition process.
The event emphasized the need for inclusive green transitions. Participants acknowledged Bangladesh's progress in decarbonization but stressed the need to extend green factory benefits to workers. They stressed the need to enforce labor laws, provide decent workplaces, and involve workers in green initiatives. Trade unions underlined their role in advocating for workers' rights and called for improved social dialogue.
The roundtable concluded with a call for action. Participants urged all stakeholders to work together to foster a just and inclusive green transition. They emphasized the need for better inter-agency coordination, and a clear roadmap that aligns with national commitments and global standards. By focusing on best practices, fostering collaboration, and ensuring inclusivity, Bangladesh's RMG industry can lead the way in sustainable and just green transition.
