Belgium’s Queen Mathilde Marie Christine visited a Garment Factory in Naraynganj on Monday February 2023 to witness the progress of Bangladesh’s RMG industry in social, environmental and economic fronts and its contribution to women empowerment and their welfare.
The Belgium’s Queen is now on a three-day visit to Bangladesh in her capacity as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) advocate.
Queen Mathilde reached Fakir Apparels around 2pm. Correspondents of different European media accompanied the Queen during her visit. She visited the corporate building, production house, day-care centre and different parts of the factory.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan accompanied Queen Mathilde during her visit to Fakir Apparels Limited and apprised her of how the apparel industry had been making a difference to millions of people, especially women by creating job opportunities for them, thus paving the way for their inclusion in mainstream economy.
He also briefed her about the exemplary achievements of Bangladesh’s RMG industry in the areas of workplace safety, environmental sustainability and workers’ rights.
Faruque Hassan told Queen Mathilde about BGMEA’s sustainable strategic vision- 2030 which aims to accelerate the growth of the RMG industry in a manner that is sustainable and positively impacts the economy, the environment and the lives of peoples.
In line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), the RMG industry aims to reduce carbon emission, energy and ground water usages, and increase use of sustainable raw materials, and renewable energy, he added.
Queen Mathilde praised the transition of Bangladesh’s RMG industry towards sustainable and responsible manufacturing and also the progress in workers’ rights and welfare.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President requested the Belgian Queen to share the positive stories of Bangladesh’s apparel industry at global platforms and with the international community.
International Labour Organisation-ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Executive President Mohammad Hatem, Fakir Apparels Managing Director Fakir Moniruzzaman, DMD Nafijuzzaman, Directors Fakir Rafsanuzzaman and Munjarin Jaman were present among others during the visit of the Queen.