Mahmuda Attires Ltd, a concern of Rising Group, achieved the ‘Green Factory Award-2023’ for the second time in a row. The Dhamrai-based factory won the award for the recognition of their efforts and contribution to saving the environment and creating employment.
Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the National Parliament handed over the awards as the chief guest which included a cheque of Tk1 lakh, a medal, a memento, and a certificate.
Nargis Akter, chairman of Mahmuda Attires Ltd, along with Muhammed Ashiqur Rahman, director of the company, received this prestigious award. Mahmuda Attires Ltd COO Mohammed Islam Chowdhury (Sheikh) along with other officials were also present.
The awards were handed over to the representatives of the factories in a discussion meeting organized on the occasion of the National Occupational Health and Safety Day in the capital on Sunday.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) marks the "World Day for Safety and Health at Work" on April 28 every year to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.
Following the ILO's guideline, Bangladesh has also been observing the day by awarding factories in different sectors in recognition of their initiatives for protecting workers’ health and environmental protection.
Bangladesh government provides the "Green Factory Award-2023" to 29 companies from 12 sectors this year to recognize their role in enhancing productivity through the use of a skilled workforce and eco-friendly technology in safe environments.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment organized the event at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.
Nargis Akter said that they established Mahmuda Attires Ltd as their first green factory where they have integrated renewable energy sources, taken water reduction measures and ensured an ethical environment for all the stakeholders.
“We have been doing business in a socially responsible way. We don’t just create employment; we take care of our valued employees. Our employees are always under health checkups, and we organize workshops to make them more aware of their health,” she added.
She also urged the government to honour all green garment factories in Bangladesh with awards to recognize their contributions to protecting the environment.
She requested global brands and retailers to offer justified prices to green factories to encourage green initiatives in the apparel industry.
In the event, State Minister for Labour and Employment Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, DIFE IG Md Abdur Rahim Khan, MoLE Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain, ILO Country director Tuomo Poutiainen, along with officials from MoLE, DIFE, leaders from BGMEA and BKMEA also present.
