Bangladesh has solidified its position as the global leader in environmentally sustainable garment production, with the number of eco-friendly “green” factories in the country reaching a record 243, according to data released by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Tuesday.
Bangladesh has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable industrial development, with the number of eco-friendly green garment factories in the country rising to 243, the highest in the world. A decade ago, there was only one such certified factory in the country’s key export sector.
According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the number rose with the recent addition of three more factories-Tasnia Fabrics Limited Admin Building and Tasnia Fabrics Limited RMG Building in Gazipur, and Comfit Golden Leaf in Tangail. These factories have been recognized by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) under its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program.
Of the 243 green factories, 101 have achieved Platinum status, the highest rating under LEED. Another 128 are in the Gold category, 10 in Silver, and four have received Certified-level recognition. These eco-friendly establishments are recognized for their energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and overall environmental performance.
BGMEA officials say this green transition is helping the country gain a competitive edge in the global apparel market, especially as sustainability becomes a key criterion for international buyers. Entrepreneurs believe that the commitment to eco-friendly practices has enhanced Bangladesh’s image and attracted more environmentally conscious clients from Europe and North America.
Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of BGMEA, said 26 new green factories were added in 2024 alone, with 11 joining in the first few months of 2025. He added that more than 550 additional factories are either registered or in the pipeline for green certification, which signals strong industry momentum toward sustainability.
“Green factories are not only reducing environmental impact but also contributing to increased productivity and higher export values,” Rubel noted. “This is a proud achievement for our country.”
Bangladesh is currently ahead of competitors like Vietnam and Indonesia in terms of the number of green factories. Experts believe this lead must now be matched with continued policy support, green financing, and investment incentives to ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability and global competitiveness.
