Economy
BGMEA President Commends Bangladesh’s Garment Industry as Global Model for Workplace Safety
Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), lauded the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry as a global exemplar for workplace safety. Speaking at the 9th International Fire Safety and Security Expo-2024’s opening ceremony, Hassan emphasized that the sector’s transformation in workplace safety has earned international recognition.
Bangladesh’s RMG industry has not only positioned itself as a role model for workplace safety but has also emerged as a leader in environmental sustainability. Boasting the highest number of green garment factories globally, the sector has 207 factories certified as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
The event, graced by Salman F Rahman, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister, featured discussions by Mahbubul Alam, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Brig General Md Moin Uddin, Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department, and Md. Niaz Ali Chishty, President of ESSAB.
Faruque Hassan stressed the necessity of investing in safety equipment manufacturing within Bangladesh, advocating for the accessibility of safety gear at competitive prices. He emphasized the extension of safety measures to workers in other export-oriented and domestic industries.
The three-day International Fire Safety and Security Expo-2024, organized by the Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB), showcased cutting-edge advancements in fire safety and security technologies from leading global brands. Bangladesh’s garment industry’s significant progress in workplace safety serves as an urging example for other industries to prioritize and ensure a secure working environment.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
