Bangladesh weighs industrial water charge, incentives for recycling

The interim government is considering imposing charges on industrial water usage and will categorise industries based on consumption while introducing incentives for recycling initiatives, according to Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2025, organised by the Netherlands Embassy to Bangladesh at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, Hasan emphasised the need for sustainable industrial practices.

She called for collaboration between the business community and international partners to transition from fossil fuel-dependent energy production to renewable and sustainable sources.

Rizwana highlighted that energy supply shortages over the past two years have significantly impacted industries, making the shift to sustainable energy solutions essential. She noted that green certifications alone do not ensure sustainability, stressing that the garment industry remains highly energy-intensive and reliant on water and chemical management.

She warned that despite Bangladesh being a water-abundant country, declining groundwater levels in industrial zones are affecting local communities. The proposed industrial water usage charges and categorization aim to address these concerns, along with incentives for recycling initiatives.

On chemical waste management, Hasan revealed that the government, in collaboration with German partners, is working on finalizing a Chemical Waste Management Rule to ensure environmental and workplace safety through standardized regulations.

Regarding labour practices, she urged a shift in perception of Bangladesh’s garment industry, stating, “The term ‘cheap labour’ should be removed from our vocabulary when discussing sustainability. It must be a shared responsibility between producers and consumers.” She emphasized ethical sourcing and fair business practices as key to long-term sustainability.

Hasan encouraged stronger engagement with innovative organizations and technology providers to drive sustainability in Bangladesh’s apparel sector, a critical component of the country's economy. She concluded by expressing optimism about fostering responsible partnerships that set new industry standards.

Also speaking at the event were 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.