The decision came at a meeting between BGMEA, BKMEA leaders and Environment and Forest Minister Tariqul Islam in Dhaka, according to a BGMEA statement.

Headed by the director general of Environment Directorate, members from Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and Terry towel exporters association along with officials of ministry of environment will constitute the national committee.

The committee, which is expected to come into being within a month, will ensure establishment and proper use of effluent treatment plant (ETP) in all factories in phases.

The committee will also work to ensure that the textile factories gradually become environment-friendly production units.

It is very difficult to collect environmental certificates due to bureaucratic complications and many other problems, said Anwar Ul Alam Chowdhury, acting president of BGMEA, at the meeting.

It takes Tk 1.5 crore to Tk 2 crore to establish an ETP, which is very difficult to manage, he said. He requested the minister to think about making a government fund that can provide soft loans for the factories.

The minister assured the textile leaders of all-out help from his part for setting up environment friendly production system.

State Minister for Environment Jafrul Islam Chowdhury, acting BKMEA President Habibur Rahman, BGMEA directors Tipu Munshi and Fazlul Haq, and BKMEA Director Dr Yousuf were also present.