The study aims to assess the state of green transition initiatives in Bangladesh’s textile and RMG sector. It seeks to gather evidence on the adoption of green practices, identify barriers and drivers for such initiatives, assess factory knowledge and capacity for green transformation, understand worker perceptions of green practices’ benefits, and provide recommendations to overcome challenges in making the sector more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Based on the findings from primary data collected from nationwide survey, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs), this study offers a set of recommendations for facilitating the green transition in Bangladesh’s textile and RMG sector. These recommendations are categorised into five broad themes: policy and regulatory measures, economic incentives, green finance, awareness and knowledge sharing, and skills and capacity development. It is important to note that these themes are not mutually exclusive and may overlap.
A multistakeholder approach is emphasised, with government agencies playing a central role in implementing these recommendations, given their continuity and broader scope. Buyers, industry associations, and international development partners also have a significant role to play, particularly in green finance, knowledge sharing, and skill development. Academic institutions and think-tanks can provide valuable support in the journey towards achieving a green transition in the sector through their expertise and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Authors: Fahmida Khatun, Muntaseer Kamal, Foqoruddin Al Kabir, Nadia Nawrin, Mohammad Syful Hoque
Publication Period: October 2023