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BGMEA, Cascale push for unified audits to boost sustainability

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is urging Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition) to lead the effort in standardising garment industry audits to support the wider goal of improving the global apparel industry's sustainability credentials.

The overall aim of the discussions between BGMEA and Cascale was to find ways to work together to harmonise protocols for developing and auditing unified codes of conduct within the apparel sector.

The BGMEA explains: "Different codes of conduct from various buyers and multiple audits in garment factories not only waste time and money for factories but also complicate the audit process and hinder compliance.

"To foster sustainability in the industry, it is crucial to establish unified codes of conduct and standardised protocols for factory audits."

The BGMEA's president S. M. Mannan (Kochi) held the meeting with Cascale's CEO Colin Browne at the BGMEA's complex in Uttara, Bangladesh earlier this month.

Mannan (Kochi) shared that he was keen for Cascale to lead the effort in formulating a unified code of conduct that would benefit all stakeholders, including buyers, manufacturers, and workers worldwide.

He emphasised that sustainability in the industry's long-term future hinges on such measures.

Browne praised Bangladesh for its progress in the garment sector, but highlighted there is always the need for further improvements.

The meeting also explored potential areas for cooperation to foster industry development, ensure compliance with forthcoming regulations such as the Due Diligence Directive, and enhance factory capabilities to improve worker welfare.

Mannan (Kochi) chaired the meeting but was joined by BGMEA vice president Abdullah Hill Rakib as well as BGMEA directors Ashikur Rahman (Tuhin), Shams Mahmud, Abrar Hossain Sayem, Md Mohiuddin Rubel, and Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee.

In May, Mannan (Kochi) told Just Style exclusively he hoped to use his position as new BGMEA president to improve the overall performance of the country’s readymade garment (RMG) industry, boosting competitiveness and sustainability.

Browne, who is new to the role of Cascale CEO, previously told Just Style he plans to use his extensive network from working within various aspects of the fashion supply chain to drive collective action at scale.