Bangladesh’s apparel industry has made notable progress in sustainability, but the next stage will require deeper action on decarbonisation, circularity and resource efficiency. In this interview, Vidiya Amrit Khan, Deputy Managing Director of Desh Garments Ltd. and Vice President of BGMEA shares how the RMG sector can build on its progress, from green manufacturing and responsible production to better textile-waste management, traceability and recycling. The conversation also highlights the importance of practical factory-level measures and stronger collaboration among manufacturers, brands, recyclers and policymakers. Looking ahead, the vision is clear, a more sustainable, circular and technologically advanced industry built on shared responsibility, innovation and long-term investment.
TexSPACE Today: From your perspective, how has Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector progressed on this journey over the past few years?
Vidiya Amrit Khan: Bangladesh’s RMG sector has made significant progress in integrating sustainability into its business practices. We have the highest number of LEED Certified Green Factories (290) in the world. The industry has invested heavily in energy efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings, environmental compliance, worker wellbeing and responsible production. Today, sustainability is increasingly moving from a compliance requirement to a strategic priority. The next phase is about accelerating decarbonization, circularity and resource efficiency across the entire RMG value chain.
TexSPACE Today: What opportunities do you see for Bangladesh to strengthen its position in building a more circular textile and apparel industry?
Vidiya Amrit Khan: Bangladesh has a strong opportunity to become a regional leader in textile circularity. The BESTSELLER SWITCH2CE pilot with EU, UNIDO and other partners has demonstrated how collaboration between brands, recyclers, waste handlers and factories can identify practical opportunities to improve textile-waste management, strengthen traceability and build more circular value chains. Through this pilot, we have seen firsthand how better collection, sorting and traceability of pre-consumer textile waste can create greater opportunities for recycling, the use of recycled fibers and the adoption of circular design approaches. Collaboration among manufacturers, recyclers, brands, technology providers and policymakers will be essential. With the right investment and enabling policies, textile waste can become a valuable resource for the industry.
TexSPACE Today: As both a manufacturer and Vice President of BGMEA, what practical steps do you believe factories can take today to make sustainability and circularity part of their everyday operations?
Vidiya Amrit Khan: Factories should begin with feasible, practical, and measurable actions: improve energy and water efficiency, increase renewable energy use, reduce waste at source, segregate and responsibly manage textile waste, and monitor key environmental indicators. Sustainability should be integrated into management decisions and employee training. Most importantly, brands, and other value-chain partners should work together to establish clear strategies, shared expectations and measurable goals, enabling factories to continuously track and improve their progress. Sustainability should be viewed as a shared, long-term journey, not as a one-time requirement imposed on factories.
TexSPACE Today: How can closer collaboration between manufacturers, brands, and policymakers accelerate Bangladesh’s sustainability ambitions?
Vidiya Amrit Khan: Greater collaboration, transparency and shared responsibility are essential. Brands should provide clearer long-term commitments, technical support and appropriate financing support for sustainability investments, while manufacturers continue to innovate and improve performance. Policymakers can support the transition through appropriate regulations, incentives, infrastructure and access to green finance. A coordinated approach will help the industry move faster and ensure that the cost of transition is shared fairly across the value chain.
TexSPACE Today: What is your vision for Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry over the next five to ten years, and what message would you like to share with the next generation of industry leaders committed to sustainability and circularity?
Vidiya Amrit Khan: My vision is for Bangladesh to become a globally recognised leader in sustainable, circular and technologically advanced apparel manufacturing. The industry must move beyond incremental improvements and embrace decarbonization, renewable energy, circular production, innovation and responsible business practices. My message to the next generation of leaders is simple: sustainability is not only an obligation, it is an opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive and resilient RMG industry. Lead with ambition, collaborate openly and invest in long-term transformation.
