Speakers at a dialogue have emphasised the need for a comprehensive roadmap to guide the energy transition in the readymade garment sector, outlining specific targets, timelines and actions necessary for effective implementation.

They recommended that the roadmap include policy recommendations, regulatory frameworks and monitoring mechanisms to ensure progress.

The speakers also urged the government to introduce market-driven incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies, for factories investing in sustainable production while withdrawing fiscal support for polluters.

Additionally, they stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of the green transition reach workers, particularly women, who are among the most vulnerable to climate change and global warming.

The recommendations were made at a programme titled ‘Just Energy Transition in the RMG Industry: A Way to Sustainable Industry and Employment’, organised by Karmojibi Nari on Sunday in the city.

Labour secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman was present as chief guest at the event moderated by Karmojibi Nari (KN) additional executive director Sanjida Sultana.

Speaking at the event, labour secretary said they can’t go for renewable energy at required level in absence of measures to minimize costs and added that there is no lacks of policies.

He stressed for synchronization among all existing policies with inclusion of all required stakeholders in the process that would reflect the demands of workers.

KN consultant Md Taherul Islam made a number of recommendations while making a presentation on the discussed topic.

He called for ensuring social protection for RMG workers in pursuit of a just transition, protecting people from the adverse impacts of climate change and energy transition.

He also suggested measures helping workers experiencing temporary unemployment or reduced income during the transition and advocated for temporary income support for displaced workers, along with subsidies for retraining programs.

Other recommendations included facilitating access to national and international green finance such as Bangladesh Climate Change Trust fund and etablishing green skills development fund.

Speaking there, Razekuzzaman Ratan president of Somajtantric Sramik Front said transition has been taking place and women are the most vulnerable of the transition.

There are more than 250 green garment factories in the country, he said raising question what is the impact of those green on workers asking whether these factories workers’ wage has enhanced or there are job security.

‘Energy transition has been taking place what the workers get from this transition. How the green initiatives are just,’ he asked.

Workers are meeting their ‘renewable expenditure’ at a time of high cost of living by doing over times, he said adding to ensure ‘just transition’ needs of workers including health, nutrition, living standard must be ensured.

Speakers alleged that factory owners are taking environment friendly measures to get benefits or incentives not for the welfare of workers.

Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Labour Reform Commission, proposed the formation of a platform to develop a roadmap led by the Labour Ministry. The platform would identify those affected, the beneficiaries, and ways to minimise the losses.