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Adviser Calls for Renewable Energy Transition in Industrial Sector
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for the business community and international partners to collaborate with Bangladeshi stakeholders in driving the shift from fossil fuel-based energy production to renewable and sustainable energy sources.
She made the call while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2025, organized by the Netherlands Embassy at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden on Tuesday.
"Sustainability is not just about creating green or environmentally certified factories. The garment industry remains energy-intensive, with a heavy reliance on water and chemical management. A more responsible approach is crucial for its long-term sustainability," she emphasized.
Rizwana pointed out that while Bangladesh is generally water-abundant, declining groundwater levels in industrial zones are posing challenges for local communities. To tackle this, she revealed that the government is considering the introduction of charges for industrial water usage. It also plans to categorize industries based on their water consumption and offer incentives for adopting recycling initiatives.
On the topic of chemical waste management, Rizwana announced that the government, in collaboration with German partners, is finalizing a new Chemical Waste Management Rule. This regulation will establish nationally recognized standards for the safe handling and management of chemicals, ensuring both environmental and workplace safety.
Shifting focus to labor practices, Rizwana called for a re-evaluation of the perception of Bangladesh’s garment industry. “The term ‘cheap labor’ should be eliminated when discussing sustainability. Ethical sourcing and fair business practices must be a shared responsibility between producers and consumers,” she stated.
Encouraging deeper collaboration with innovative organizations and technology providers, Rizwana underscored the importance of the apparel sector to Bangladesh’s economy. She called for stronger partnerships that will help establish new sustainability standards.
The event was also attended by European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Netherlands Ambassador Andre Carstens, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun.