BKMEA formalises sustainability reporting with MoUs signed by four member factories

The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has taken a significant step towards structured sustainability disclosure by signing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with four of its member factories, responding to growing global buyer demand for verified environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting.

Fazle Shamim Ehsan, Executive President of BKMEA, stated that sustainability reporting was no longer optional for exporters, noting that intensifying global competition and evolving buyer expectations were driving a shift towards suppliers capable of demonstrating verified ESG performance through recognised international frameworks. He added that BKMEA had already established a dedicated pool of experts certified in Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards to provide hands-on support to factories throughout the reporting process.

Ehsan further explained that the expert team would work closely with factory management, compliance and operations teams to ensure that data collection, validation and disclosure processes were fully aligned with international best practices.

Under the MoUs, sustainability reporting will be carried out at the participating factories in accordance with the GRI Standards, one of the most widely recognised global frameworks for corporate sustainability disclosure. Solidaridad Network Asia will provide financial support for the initiative, while SusNex will act as the knowledge partner, supporting BKMEA with methodology development, reporting structures, capacity building and technical guidance.

Senior BKMEA officials, including five of the association’s six GRI professional certificate holders, along with top management from the participating factories, attended the ceremony, underscoring strong institutional commitment to the programme.

Industry observers believe the initiative could set a benchmark for Bangladesh’s knitwear sector at a time when global apparel brands are tightening supplier requirements related to climate action, resource efficiency, labour transparency and social impact. According to GRI, structured sustainability reporting enhances stakeholder trust, strengthens risk management and improves long-term business resilience.

For Bangladesh’s knitwear exporters, sustainability disclosure is increasingly being viewed as a strategic business enabler rather than a compliance exercise. As ESG performance plays a growing role in global sourcing decisions, BKMEA’s move is expected to enhance the credibility of Bangladeshi manufacturers in premium international markets and unlock new opportunities with brands focused on responsible sourcing.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at BKMEA’s Dhaka office in the presence of Mohammad Hatem, President of BKMEA. The agreements were signed on behalf of the factories by Md Shamsuzzaman, Managing Director of A One Polar and Vice President of BKMEA; Fakir Kamruzzaman Nahid, Managing Director of Fakir Fashion and Vice President of BKMEA; Shafiqul Rahman, Managing Director of Hams Garments Limited; and Qudrat-e-Khoda, Director of Fatullah Apparels. Fazle Shamim Ehsan signed the MoUs on behalf of the association.