NN Online:
The Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA), in partnership with WaterAid, participated in the Sustainable Apparel Forum 2025, where key industry stakeholders gathered to discuss water security and sustainable water management in Bangladesh’s textile and ready-made garments (RMG) sector.
The discussions underscored the urgent need for innovative water stewardship strategies to support the industry’s long-term sustainability, reads a press release issued Tuesday.
A recent study by Deloitte, commissioned by RWA, revealed that water use in Bangladesh’s textile sector could increase by up to 300 per cent in the coming decades. The findings emphasised the pressing need for investment in water security, resilience, and sustainable business practices. At the forum, RWA experts highlighted the necessity of market intelligence strategies to drive impactful changes in water management.
A key feature of the event was a panel discussion led by RWA’s Country Strategy Manager Mafruda Rahman, which focused on the significant investment gap in sustainable water management in Bangladesh. Experts estimated that the shortfall could reach up to $35 billion, emphasising the need for financial mechanisms and policy interventions to bridge this gap.
During the discussion, Primark Water Stewardship Manager Lewys Isaac detailed the company’s initiatives to improve water quality and reduce pollution in its sourcing countries. He highlighted Primark’s commitment to freshwater conservation and sustainable water reuse.
JM Fabrics Managing Director Azizur Rahman Chowdhury stressed the urgent need for water conservation in the dyeing process, one of the most water-intensive operations in the industry. He called for a shift in mindset to drive meaningful environmental impact.
NeeltjeKielen, delegated representative for Water at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, pointed to the parallels between Bangladesh and the Netherlands in tackling water management challenges. She advocated for innovative water management solutions and stronger public-private partnerships.
World Bank Senior Private Sector Specialist Hosna Ferdous Sumi highlighted the importance of enabling market conditions for sustainable water management. She discussed the role of financial instruments and awareness-raising among businesses in promoting better water practices.
HSBC Head of Sustainability Syeda Afzalunnesa emphasised the increasing availability of sustainability-linked financing. She pointed out that Sustainability Linked Loans can be tied to water efficiency, usage, or other Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. Additionally, she highlighted HSBC’s partnership with the Apparel Impact Institute to support future supplier initiatives in Bangladesh.
As the discussions concluded, RWA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering water resilience in the apparel industry. The organisation announced plans to establish a dedicated working group to support data-driven, evidence-based solutions for sustainable water management in the textile sector.
The Sustainable Apparel Forum 2025 reinforced the need for a collective approach to addressing Bangladesh’s water security crisis. With RWA, WaterAid, private sector partners, financial institutions, and government agencies joining forces, the forum marked a significant step toward ensuring a future where water resources are managed efficiently and responsibly in the RMG sector and beyond.
