Bangladesh's garment-making industry, long associated with environmental damage and workplace tragedies, is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainability. The country now leads the world in LEED-certified garment factories, boasting 268 such facilities that utilize resource-efficient technologies to minimize waste, conserve water, and enhance resilience against climate change and global supply chain disruptions. This transformation comes after years of scrutiny following disasters like the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, which killed 1,134 people and injured approximately 2,500, highlighting the urgent need for reform within the sector.

The move towards greener practices includes the adoption of safer chemicals in dye plants, cleaner tanning methods and wastewater treatment in tanneries, and the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting and solar panels in workshops. These changes are particularly significant in areas like the Buriganga River, which flows through Dhaka and has suffered extensive pollution from textile production, including dyes, chemicals, and heavy metals.

The garment industry is a crucial pillar of the Bangladeshi economy, contributing significantly to the nation's exports and employing millions of people, primarily women. However, its rapid growth has historically come at a steep environmental and social cost. The push for sustainability is driven by a combination of factors, including international pressure from consumers and brands, growing awareness within the industry itself, and government regulations aimed at protecting the environment and worker safety.

While Bangladesh's progress is noteworthy, challenges remain. Ensuring consistent enforcement of environmental regulations, promoting transparency throughout the supply chain, and investing in further technological advancements are crucial for sustaining this momentum. The global fashion industry, under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, is closely watching Bangladesh's experiment in greening its garment sector, which could serve as a model for other developing nations. The hundreds of factories along the Buriganga's banks and elsewhere in Bangladesh are starting to stitch together a new story, woven from greener threads.