Buyers Forum urges Bangladesh to ensure a sustainable supply chain

Buyers Forum has underscored the need for improving logistics, resolving complexities related to the NBR and customs, ensuring a sustainable and internationally compliant labour environment, and strengthening environmental sustainability for the sake of the country’s readymade garments industry (RMG) development.

The representatives of the Forum disclosed these at a meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) aimed at reinforcing sustainable supply chains in the global fashion industry, at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara of the capital with participation from representatives of more than 40 global brands.

The representatives assured BGMEA of their continued support for the development of Bangladesh’s apparel sector.

The primary objective of the meeting was to discuss collaborative strategies and chart a path toward sustainable development in the garment sector. The meeting focused on exploring areas where cooperation between garment brands and BGMEA could be further strengthened to ensure a sustainable supply chain.

The participants also discussed on the imposition of a 20 percent tariff on Bangladeshi products in the US, implementation of a Unified Code of Conduct for the industry, product diversification and innovation, labour reforms and labour rights, renewable energy adoption in manufacturing, Bangladesh’s preparation for LDC graduation, and challenges related to the GSP+ threshold.

BGMEA sought the buyers’ support in implementing a Unified Code of Conduct across the apparel industry. BGMEA believes this will benefit all stakeholders in the supply chain by simplifying audit processes, reducing factory pressure, and promoting ethical, sustainable, and responsible business practices.

BGMEA Director Nafis-Ud-Doula presented a PowerPoint outlining how a Unified Code of Conduct can streamline auditing and contribute to a more ethical and sustainable industry.

BGMEA leaders urged brands to increase sourcing from Bangladesh and to strengthen partnerships with local suppliers to produce more innovative, high-quality products.

Brand representatives noted the vast potential for growth through fashion design. They suggested for opening a technical design section at BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT), and hiring young fashion designers at the factory level.

They stated that this is one of the key expectations brands have from Bangladeshi exporters.

BGMEA called on brands to support entrepreneurs by adopting better pricing models, improving efficiency, and fostering a more competitive and ethically sound industry.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted recent progress in labour reforms in Bangladesh, stating that these reforms are not just for meeting international standards but to ensure a safer and more sustainable industrial environment.

He invited global buyers to be partners in this journey of positive transformation in Bangladesh’s garment sector.

BGMEA First Vice-President Salim Rahman,Vice-President Md Rezwan Selim, Vice-President (Finance) Mijanur Rahman, Vice-President Vidiya Amrit Khan, and Vice-President Md Shehab Udduza Chowdhury, and other directors also were present there.