The ‘1st Social and Environmental Excellence Awards 2012’ (SEE Awards 2012) have been given to few Bangladesh apparel manufacturing units for their achievement in social compliance and environmental protection.
The awards were co-presented by the Bangladesh Brand Forum (BBF) and GIZ, the German Government's international development activities arm.
Fakir Apparels Ltd. bagged the ‘Best Worker and Management Relationship’ award and the 'Special Benefits/Benefits Beyond Labour Law' award in the Social Compliance category. Saiham Knit Composite Ltd was picked for ‘Health and Safety’ in the same category.
Under the Environmental Standard category, Hamza Textile was chosen for both ‘Waste Management’ and the 'Factory of the Year for Environmental Sustainability' awards, while Viyellatex won the 'Resource Use Efficiency' award.
The ‘Innovative Idea’ award was given to Aboni Knitwear.
Speaking on the occasion, German Ambassador to Bangladesh Albrecht Conze urged Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to follow the best practices of developed countries.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) vice president Faruque Hassan said the dedication of workers and entrepreneurs have together contributed in making Bangladesh the second largest garment exporter in the world.
He said Bangladesh has ensured establishment of state-of-the-art garment manufacturing units keeping social compliance, environmental sustainability and ethical business in mind, while making profits.