Dhaka hosts 6th edition of SAF
The 6th Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) concluded successfully in Dhaka, reinforcing Bangladesh’s commitment to responsible sourcing. Organized by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to discuss critical sustainability challenges in the apparel sector.
This year’s SAF focused on climate action, environmental conservation, and decent work. The event featured an opening ceremony, four insightful panel discussions, five impactful presentations, and two engaging breakout sessions. More than 40 distinguished speakers and 20 innovators shared their expertise with over 550 national and international delegates.
High profile speakers emphasize sustainability
The forum featured prominent speakers, including Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser at the Ministry of Environment, Forests, Climate Change, and Water Resources; H E Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, European Union Delegation to Bangladesh; H E Andre Carstens, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh; Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman (Senior Secretary) of BIDA; and Mostafiz Uddin, Founder & CEO of BAE.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan stressed the need for shared responsibility in sustainability, urging both importers and exporters to collaborate on renewable and sustainable energy initiatives. H E Michael Miller highlighted the EU’s ongoing partnership with Bangladesh, encouraging the country to increase its focus on renewable energy.
H E Andre Carstens reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s efforts in sustainability, circularity, and traceability in the apparel sector. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun expressed Bangladesh’s ambition to lead in sustainable apparel by 2040, calling for collective action. Mostafiz Uddin emphasized the importance of collaboration, investment, and business integration in driving sustainable progress.
Netherlands circular textile trade mission
A key highlight of the forum was the announcement of the Netherlands Circular Textile Trade Mission to Bangladesh, scheduled from February 10-13. Organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), with support from Export Partner, Clean & Unique, BGMEA, and BAE, the mission aims to foster circularity and renewable energy solutions. The participation of 18 leading Dutch companies will provide networking and business collaboration opportunities.
The SAF 2025 reaffirmed Bangladesh’s leadership in sustainable apparel manufacturing. With global partners and industry stakeholders working together, the forum served as a crucial platform for setting sustainability goals and driving impactful initiatives. As Bangladesh aims to become a global leader in sustainable apparel by 2040, events like SAF play a vital role in shaping a greener and more responsible future for the industry.
