The 4th High-Level Policy Dialogue under the Sustainable Fashion Platform, a collaborative effort led by Sweden, focused on enhancing water sustainability in Bangladesh’s vibrant ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The event, hosted by Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks, brought together government officials, industry leaders, and international partners to explore ways to promote sustainable water management practices among RMG manufacturers.
The dialogue underscored Sweden’s longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, which is central to its development cooperation and business interests worldwide. Swedish brands such as H&M Group, IKEA, and Lindex, which source extensively from Bangladesh, have expressed strong environmental ambitions and are actively engaged in sustainable sourcing initiatives.
Ambassador Weeks emphasised the importance of investing in sustainable water management to bolster Bangladesh’s competitiveness as a global sourcing hub. “This collaboration can sustain and strengthen Bangladesh’s position within the RMG sector. As consumer demand shifts towards sustainability, adopting green business models among suppliers will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness,” he stated.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted the need for clear regulations on groundwater allocation and policy support tailored to industry needs. She called for the rapid formation of a dedicated working group to oversee water usage in industrial zones, ensuring sustainable management amidst growing industrial activity.
Rana Flowers, UNICEF Bangladesh’s Resident Representative, stressed the importance of balanced water resource management that considers equity, sustainability, and governance to secure water for industry, agriculture, and local communities alike.
The event aimed to foster collaboration between public and private stakeholders to integrate sustainable water practices into industry operations, policy frameworks, and resilient supply chains. The dialogue also sought to align business interests with broader development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation) and upcoming EU regulations on corporate due diligence.
Representatives from various government ministries, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, participated as special guests. The initiative is part of the Sustainable Fashion Platform, a partnership between the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, Business Sweden, major Swedish RMG brands, the Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Sweden-Bangladesh Business Council, and the Swedish Energy Agency. The platform aims to coordinate Swedish efforts on sustainability within Bangladesh’s RMG industry under one unified framework.
Organised in collaboration with UNICEF, the dialogue continues Sweden’s efforts to deepen sustainable partnerships with Bangladesh, ensuring environmental integrity and long-term economic resilience in the RMG sector.
