Inamul Haq Khan, Acting President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), has called on global fashion brands to adopt a shared-responsibility approach to accelerate Bangladesh’s transition to a circular and low-carbon apparel industry. His remarks came during the Control Union Sustainability Conference 2025, held in Dhaka on 26 November.
Addressing an audience of industry leaders, policymakers, NGOs and international stakeholders, Inamul Haq noted that renewable energy adoption, carbon-emission reduction and the modernisation of manufacturing systems have become key priorities for global buyers. However, he cautioned that meeting these expectations demands substantial capital investment—an enduring challenge for Bangladeshi manufacturers facing high borrowing costs and limited access to long-term green finance.
He stressed that small and medium-sized factories are under the greatest strain, as many lack the resources to invest in circular production models, rooftop solar systems, upgraded wastewater treatment and energy-efficient technologies.
“Sustainability is no longer optional. But the cost of this transition cannot be pushed onto manufacturers alone. Without a genuine buyer–supplier partnership, the pace of transformation will remain slow,” he said.
Inamul also highlighted Bangladesh’s strong environmental credentials, noting that the country now has 268 LEED-certified green garment factories—more than any other nation—reinforcing its position as a global leader in sustainable apparel production.
Participants from government bodies, development agencies and trade associations echoed the call for international finance mechanisms and policy alignment to underpin Bangladesh’s sustainable industrial shift.
