In a recent seminar representatives from European brands and Bangladesh’s RMG suppliers called for a collective approach to implement the European Union’s new Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) policy. This initiative is deemed essential for ensuring long-term sustainability within the industry.
The event, organised by the Europe-based Fair Wear Foundation in collaboration with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), aimed to facilitate discussions surrounding HRDD and its practical application at the factory level.
Sabiha Akter, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Belgium-based Cotton Group, emphasized the urgent need for compliance, stating, “Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) is not optional; it is a must. Non-compliance will result in penalties.” She urged suppliers to acknowledge the gravity of this new policy.
The seminar hosted six European brand representatives from Fair Wear and 13 local suppliers, fostering an environment for dialogue on the HRDD concept. While Bangladesh’s garment entrepreneurs recognised the significance of HRDD for the industry’s future, they also called for shared accountability from buyers.
Shams Mahmud, Managing Director of Shasha Denims Limited and former President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the financial challenges faced by suppliers. “I invested US $ 50 million to make my factory environmentally sustainable, a project that could have been done for just US $ 10 million. What return do I get on that investment?” he questioned.
Bablur Rahman, Country Manager of the Fair Wear Foundation, echoed Mahmud’s concerns, stating that factory owners should be able to recuperate the costs associated with compliance.
The seminar also featured contributions from industry leaders, including Wasim Zakaria, Managing Director of Posh Garments Limited; Minhazul Hoque, Director of BKMEA; and Ferdousi Akhter, Sustainability Coordinator of the German brand s.Oliver, all advocating for a coordinated effort in upholding human rights within the garment sector.
