Environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Tuesday said that the interim government had been considering introducing a charge for industrial water usage, classifying industries based on consumption, and offering incentives for recycling.

The adviser shared this at the opening of the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2025, organised by the Netherlands Embassy in Bangladesh at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden.

Rizwana also urged the business community and international partners to collaborate with their Bangladeshi counterparts in transitioning from fossil fuel-dependent energy production to renewable and sustainable sources.

She emphasised that energy supply shortages over the past two years had severely impacted industries, making sustainable energy solutions essential for both the country and the sector.

Highlighting the need for a more responsible approach to sustainability, Rizwana  said ‘Having green factories or the highest number of environmentally certified factories does not automatically mean the sector is operating sustainably.’

She stressed that the garment industry is not only energy-intensive but also heavily reliant on water and chemical management, making responsible production practices crucial.

She mentioned that while Bangladesh is a water-abundant country, groundwater levels in many industrial zones have been declining, affecting local communities.

‘The government is now considering a charge for industrial water usage and will categorise industries based on water consumption while offering incentives for recycling initiatives,’ she stated.

Addressing chemical waste management, she revealed that the government, in collaboration with German partners, was working on a Chemical Waste Management Rule, expected to be finalised soon.

She stressed the need for nationally endorsed chemical handling and management regulations to ensure environmental and workplace safety.

On labour practices, the adviser called for a shift in mindset regarding Bangladesh’s garment industry.

‘The term ‘cheap labour’ should be removed from our vocabulary when discussing sustainability. It must be a shared responsibility between producers and consumers,’ she asserted, emphasising ethical sourcing and fair business practices.

She encouraged greater engagement with innovative organisations and technology providers to drive sustainability in the apparel industry, which remains the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy.

‘We look forward to strengthening partnerships that are responsible and set new standards of excellence,’ she concluded.

Michael Miller, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh; Andre Carstens, Ambassador of the Netherlands and Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, also spoke at the programme.