On May 21, 2025, a stakeholder conference titled “Strengthening Due Diligence Implementation in the Textile Sector in Bangladesh” was jointly organized by Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) and Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), with support from German-based organization FEMNET e.V.. The event was held at the CIRDAP Auditorium, Dhaka.
The conference showcased critical findings from two parallel monitoring initiatives:
- Community-Based Monitoring (CBM) conducted by ESDO, highlighting industrial pollution in the NayanJhali Canal, and
- Worker-Based Monitoring (WBM) led by BILS, focusing on violations of labor rights.
Together, these findings addressed the urgent challenges of environmental degradation, occupational health hazards, and labor rights violations, particularly in the Ashulia industrial zone.
Key Discussion Points:
- Identification of environmental risks, health threats, and labor rights violations
- Development of practical, evidence-based recommendations
- Formulation of long-term strategies for sustainable and ethical industry practices
Chief Guest:
Dr. M. Mahfuzul Haque, Former Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh and Advisor to both ESDO and BILS.
Participating Institutions:
Representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Department of Environment, BLF, BMSF, BFTUE, ILO, DGHS, IEDCR, BGMEA, BLAST, BSF, MOA, Academicians, civil society, and the along with members of mass media were present.
The active engagement of government authorities, industry stakeholders, trade unions, civil society organizations, and international partners marked the conference as a significant step toward promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability in Bangladesh’s textile sector.
