BKMEA and WaterAid Bangladesh Unite for Sustainable Water Solutions

In a significant move towards sustainable water management, WaterAid Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) have officially partnered. The two organizations formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Monday at BKMEA's Dhaka office.

This partnership aims to tackle the pressing issue of groundwater depletion in Bangladesh's garment industry, which is a major contributor to the country’s dwindling water resources. With approximately 2.1 million people lacking access to clean water, this initiative seeks to promote efficient water use within the knitwear sector, enhance sanitation, and improve hygiene education.

Objectives of the Collaboration

Under the MoU, WaterAid Bangladesh and BKMEA will focus on developing a sustainable water management strategy that includes reducing excessive water consumption, exploring alternative water sources, and implementing water-efficient technologies. Plans also involve recycling wastewater, harvesting rainwater, and identifying financial opportunities to support these sustainable practices.

Moreover, the collaboration intends to enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for workers and surrounding communities, in line with WaterAid's mission to improve lives through clean water and proper sanitation.

Industry and Financial Support

BKMEA Vice President Mohammad Rashed emphasized the necessity of integrating responsible water management into decision-making at all levels of the garment industry. He advocated for financing solutions that would empower small and medium-sized factories to adopt water-efficient technologies. Rashed proposed the creation of a dedicated water unit within BKMEA to oversee this initiative.

Azman Ahmed Chowdhury, WaterAid Bangladesh’s country director, highlighted the potential for factories to access the Bangladesh Bank’s green financing facilities, which offer incentives for investments in sustainable practices. Mostafizur Rahman, a senior program officer at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, noted that international buyers are increasingly focused on sustainable manufacturing practices and environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for effective water management solutions.

This collaboration is set to unfold over several years, with plans for technical training, practical seminars, and assessments at selected factories, continuing until December 15, 2026. The initiative aims to not only improve water management but also enhance the overall quality of life for workers and communities, strengthening Bangladesh’s position in the global knitwear market amidst rising sustainability awareness.

Source: wwd.com