Seven industrial units in Bangladesh have ranked among the top 10 in a list of the world's 25 most environment-friendly factories. Until recently, the country's readymade garment (RMG) sector had been highly criticised by numerous quarters of the international community before coming under government scrutiny.
However, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certificate awarded by the US Green Building Council, a Washington-based NGO, is a testimony to Bangladesh's success in ensuring maximum environmental safety of its workplaces. The list includes: Remi Holdings, the RMG factory in Adamjee Export Processing Zone (EPZ) of Narayanganj district became the number one environment-friendly factory in the world. Narayanganj's Plummy Fashions turned out to be the runners-up.
The country's other industrial units that made it to the list include Vintage Denim (owned by ABA Group), SQ Celsius 2, Genesis Washing, SQ ColBlanc and SQ Birichina. Owners, mangers, employees and workers along with all active stakeholders of these factories deserve applause for their extraordinary achievements. Undoubtedly, their collective effort has lead to a sterling success in protecting the workplace environment, setting an example for others to follow.
According to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), amid a tight scrutiny from the government, most of the Bangladeshi RMG factories now provide for a tolerable workplace environment with adequate humanitarian facilities for workers and staff. Evidently, the US government has lost its justification before declining to grant any GSP facility to the Bangladeshi RMG companies.
